In today’s world, and especially so in the northern Virginia and DC metro area, we are often pulled in a multitude of directions to answer just as many demands. Time seems to relentlessly be of the essence – from important work calls to business meetings, project deadlines to dinner plans. The birth space isn’t too different.
When you birth, you may feel expected to feel or behave a certain way, either because that’s what you’ve seen in media and/or because society generally tells you you should.
But what if that’s not authentic to you?
What if you don’t want to hold your baby immediately after you give birth?
You’re not the only one. You’re not any less of a “good mother.” You’re not wrecking your baby for life
Here’s the truth: Having a baby is incredible and intense. Regardless of what your birth looks like, the immediate moments after birth are likely ones that will stay with you for a long time to come. The ways you may feel after birth are are vast as the the ways your labor may look. You might feel relieved, weepy, elated, exhausted, peaceful. And no matter if you feel emotionally high or low, you might need a minute.
A minute to gather your thoughts. Your physicality. Your wits. Your grasp on reality. And that’s okay.
Photo credit: Emily Gerald Photography
Some mothers aren’t ready to hold their babies after birth. This might be a good opportunity for a partner or close support person to hold the baby, especially skin to skin. (Skin to skin promotes bonding and helps baby adjust to life on the outside by stabilizing his/her heart rate, temperature and blood sugars.)
Think you could use a helping hand as you birth in northern Virginia? Get in touch.