Affirmation
NS May 8th, 2008
I’m participating in a bead swap on a mothering forum I belong to, with other women due in the same month as I am. The idea is that we all send one bead to every person so that we can each make a necklace that will be worn while we’re in labor. Knowing that 27 other women will be wearing the bead I’ve chosen and I theirs while going through the miraculous, momentous experience of birth fills me with strength and joy. Women (even ones who have never met ‘in real life’, only on the internet) supporting each other is something we need more of and although I know many would roll their eyes and dismiss this sort of thing as extremely hippy-dippy, I think it’s lovely. When I’m at the end of my rope and wondering how I’ll ever survive another contraction, I will touch these beads and know that my experience, while special, is not unique. Feeling part of something much larger and more complex than I can ever comprehend (the perpetuation of humankind) humbles me and brings me a sense of both awe and peace.
So to all the ladies in my due date club, and any other expectant mothers out there:
