pregnant and terrified!

Congradulations Georgina!

I'm very happy for you, and by the way, thank you for all your support over these many months. This is a very small "army" of women, but I have every confidence we are going to win this battle for the future of women's healthcare.

Several of the exercises in the video increase abdominal pressure, while the "anterior vaginal wall lift" sharply decreases it...a situation that might be dangerous during pregnancy.

I would say to certainly continue to use the posture...in the later months the head/neck/shoulders aspect of it will be most applicable, as the rest of your torso will already be well into natural female posture!! :-) Continue to walk, practice gentle stretches, and remain mindful of your seated postures. Rest Rest Rest and eat wonderfully nourishing food.

I know Jane will have lots of great information for you.

Be well, Georgina, and all blessings for the miracle that is human birth.

Christine

Dear Georgina,

I

Oh, Christine, you've not lost me! :) ...just went back to work full-time, working on my masters, and taking care of my babies.

I am pleased to report that I am suffering no symptoms from my organs that are resting a little lower than the days before I was a mom. I am eating relatively well, have no time or energy when I do have time to exercise, but am posturing well, and despite the business of my life, stress is low.

I really think the secret, besides the posture, is attitude. I have chosen not to get worked up by every little thing, not to panic at any sensation, and to flow--as the pelvic organs were designed to flow. It is so important to keep in perspective what is really important--prolapsed or not.

REST is important. LOVING yourself and LOVING you baby is important. EXPECTING needing time to RECOVER from pregnancy and childbirth. NOT EXPECTING to be able to pick up and do as you did before the birth of this child because every child requires a change and an adjustment. And a new normal to your body and the structure of your life will begin to emerge. My precious little one is four months old now.

GET LOTS OF HELP even if you have to go into debt to do it! :) My sitter came even during my maternity leave. While I was home, she played with my older children and helped with things like vacuuming, while I rested with my baby. I literally laid in bed for the week after my baby was born and just enjoyed being with him. It was like a vacation. I also made my husband stay home that first week. I have such fond memories of that first week just laying in bed with him. Unlike when my second child was born and I thought I had to be out of the house within three days and I was dragging (physically, emotionally, mentally, and prolapse wise) and felt miserable. I think I was subscribing to the no pain no gain theory. Like moving around and pressing myself was necessary. I'm so glad I learned from that experience.

Okay, I've said a lot... not sure it's been what is needed, but I am glad that I have been an inspiration. I kept a positive attitude during my pregnacy but I had already made a decision that if my organs fell down to my feet that this baby was worth that physical sacrifice. I think that was what was so shocking after my second birth when I prolapsed because it was such a shock. This time I had already made terms with the possiblity so no matter what happened I'd be able to deal with it.

As far as a c/s or vag birth. For me vag birth was the way to go even though I could have easily scheduled a c/s since I had already had one. I had determined to follow my body this time and the birth was so much easier than my first vag birth. I did what my body instructed me to do and I was not going to allow anyone to dictate otherwise. That was possible because I was in my home and I could call the shots. :)

Blessings to you and your little one!

It's so good to hear your wise and calming voice, Jane! WOW! I'm so proud of you for all you're doing, but also hope you do not take on too much...three kids IS a master's degree!! Just check in now and then so we know that you are well...you're sorely missed around here...

LOL! I agree--3 kids is a master's degree. I have a lot of help (a wonderful baby sitter who picks up and a sister who is babysitting the baby and bringing him to school at lunch for me to nurse--she's such a blessing!) And ironically, I have more time since going back to teaching full-time. two of my classes are very small classes and both consist of responsible, motivated seniors. I give them an assignment and away they go and so I end up having time to work on my other classes. I do no school work at home now! Yeah! I am trying very hard to keep the rest and sleep thing down, so I'd better get myself to bed. :) Thanks for the kind words. I love encouragement!

Hi Georgina,

I wouldn't worry about it, as the work gets done when we're vertical rather than horizontal. Change positions often and listen for what your body needs. Kelly swears by stomach-lying, which you can do post-partum. Just take very good care (morning sickness is a good sign) and focus on growing the happy and healthy soul within you.

:-)Christine

Hi Georgie O,

Congratulation on your pregnancy. Don't be terrified. I found out after my first child I had cystocele. My biggest concern was not being able to conceive again. We did on the first try. I think you are very fortunate to have found this site, the women here give much better advise than the doctors.

My experience was as follows; during the first trimester the prolapse was the worst - I'm not sure if that was due to hormones - my OB didn't know. She also told me that things would keep getting worst as the pregnancy and the weight of the baby would push everything down. I was feeling so depressed at the thought. (It is truly scary what doctors do not know). But in the middle of the second trimester everything was pulled up as the baby grew in my uterus. I had a vaginal birth and my daughter was pretty large 8 lbs 11 oz. I didn't go into the pregnancy with concerns for things getting worst because in my mind after pregnancy I was going to get it all fixed with surgery (my doctor convinced me it was my only option). And that a vaginal birth would be better as not to have scar tissue for the pelvic reconstructive surgery. Although she gave me good advise for the wrong reason in addition to telling me the damage was already done. I'm glad I didn't have a C-section. I've read Jane

Georgina, I just care that you make the best decision for you and that you recover as quickly as possible so that you can enjoy your young family. I hope you

Thanks for reporting back! I never get tired of hearing from pregnant women and their upcoming births of the their hild!! I loved being pregnant:)--maybe that's why I have five :)