Adapt

After a 3am nursing session

As human beings, we're resilient creatures. We are flexible and learn to adapt to a variety of situations- some easier than others. Exploring foreign territory tests our patience, our bravery, our knowledge and intuition.

Isn't this what it's like when we give birth? Or as we embark on our parenting journey? 

I believe one of the best qualities to have in life is to be teachable. I have always been receptive to hearing new information and learning what's out there, but having a baby rocked my world a little bit (in a good way!). As a doula and childbirth educator, I was eager to experience labor and to have a child of my own. My education and professional experience helped me to feel prepared, though as most of you know, you never truly understand what it's like until you endure it yourself.  

Two things I was sure of going into this:  
1) No two labors are the same. 
2) Every baby is different. 

I say these things over and over again to clients and students. "It depends" is a regular phrase in my vocabulary as a birth professional. In the prenatal period, we learn what is "textbook" but understand that there's room for other stuff. I believe that the "other stuff" is what helps us become kinder, more empathetic and open-minded creatures. 

So, here we are...four months later with a baby who's learning new things everyday and teaching us, too.  After a home birth transport, breastfeeding obstacles including tongue and lip ties, co-sleeping adventures, and a whole new perspective of time management, I feel good. I am very aware that I don't know everything, but I will learn as I go and trust my instincts. I don't fear change or the unknown; instead, I anticipate it and try my best to embrace it. My baby is my best teacher and the books, the classes, Google...they may have given me an *idea* of what this would be like but they don't replace the experience of being a new mom.  

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