fierce mumas

My post on The Face of Birth received a range of comments - some embracing the film and my discussion, other dismissing it and accusing me of judgement. 

I've thought long and hard about those comments and how I should receive them.

Us mothers, we are fierce. When it comes to birth and our experiences we fight for what we believe. Indeed, the mere mention of 'birth' stirs the fire within us. And thank goodness it does. It signifies our journey into motherhood - if we didn't have so much passion and energy how on earth would we raise our children?

I will never stop discussing birth on my blog because it is something I am deeply passionate about. My own birth experiences have inspired me, teaching over 400 pregnant women over the past few years has encouraged a compassion within me that I never knew before.

I write as a mother, a pre-natal yoga teacher and a journalist. My discussions are never objective, but they are informed. I hope to inspire, I never ever intend to judge.

Photo: by Tim. 

11/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2012."

Che: "Look mum, a naked horse!" (ie. a horse without a saddle). First time horse-riding.

Poet: In a vintage terry-towelling bonds suits. She works the camera. 

52

documentary: the face of birth

On Wednesday night I had the privilege of seeing the new Australian documentary The Face of Birth. I was in a cinema full of midwives, mothers and pregnant women. We were all eagerly anticipating a series of interviews with the world's leading birth experts - Michael Odent, Ina May Gaskin and Sheila Kitzinger to name just a few. 

The Face of Birth offered a balanced discussion about birth - regardless of where or how you birth your baby the experience can be empowering. Its very essence was this: "If you are pregnant, take the time to prepare so you can make informed decisions - take responsibility for your journey."

I can't and won't go into every aspect of the film because there's just no way I can do it justice. But there were a few points that really resonated with me...

• Home birth is a safe option for healthy, low-risk women
• Contrary to popular belief, private hospital care limits your birthing options
• The amount of women suffering from post traumatic stress disorder after birth is on the rise - does this suggest that birth, for some, is a battlefield?
• We are living in the 'labour bypass era' where many women don't think they have to do their labours.
• Women, in general, are terrified about giving birth
• "For the first time in the history of mankind the number of women who give birth to the baby and the placenta thanks to the release of a cocktail of love hormones, this number is approaching zero" - Michael Odent. 
• "There's a perception that only strong women have homebirths...which I find extraordinary because I think that all women are strong." - Noni Hazlehurst. 
• Women who are proud of their birth experiences stay silent for fear of judgement
• Aboriginal women have a right to birth on their land, in their community. At present, there is only one part of Australia that allows this to happen. In most cases the pregnant woman will be flown to the nearest hospital at 36weeks and will wait to have her baby. This time period is called 'confinement.' (I find this absolutely appalling).
• "We don't lose many babies in Australia; we're very lucky because we've got good nutrition and good social circumstances. But what we do lose are a lot of marriages and a lot of relationships and a lot of people's mental health after childbirth" - midwife, Jan Ireland - thanks for the reminder Jess.
• For more information and statistics, read Co-Director Kate Gorman's letter here. 

It was wonderful to see so many of my past and present students there on the night. One of them, Selena, was 41weeks pregnant. She left the cinema at about 10pm and told her midwife that she felt nothing but inspiration for her imminent birth. At midnight her waters broke and at 3.09am she birthed her baby boy on her yoga mat - in the comfort of her home. 

I'm still considering posting Poet's birth film on here. Some days I feel completely confident about sharing it in the hope that it will offer inspiration to those planning a water birth. But I also feel that it's a deeply personal capture that needs to stay within the walls of our family home. There's also the fact that I'm mostly naked and, as a rather modest being, I find it a little nerve-wracking to put it on the internet; share it with the world. We'll see...

Update: I have deleted some of the sentences from the original post.  Perhaps my passion can sometimes get in the way of my statements - hence they can come across as judgements which I would never, ever intend to make. I write about birth to offer information and, perhaps, inspiration.  I don't think, as mothers, we are ever going to have the same stance on birth and I would never expect my readers to agree with everything I say here.  I write as a mother, pre-natal yoga teacher and journalist. My discussions are by no means objective but they are informed. 

the sling diaries: a Sakura Bloom photo project

I am thrilled to be one of 13 bloggers chosen to take part in the Sakura Bloom Sling Diaries. Once a month for the next six months I'll be posting a photo diary of babywearing - kanga and roo style, me and Poet. Each month will be inspired by a different theme; the first month is 'love'. The judges' favourite photo from each entry will be posted on the Sakura Bloom pinterest page and, at the end of the competition, a favourite "Sling Diary" will be chosen. 

Over the six entries I'll be reflecting on my babywearing experience with Che and, of course, living the experience with Poet. It's pretty special 'wearing' my babies, cuddling them close, having them near, chatting as we walk. Extending the oneness of muma and baby for just that little bit longer. Of course, there's something completely desirable about having two free hands too - let's not forget the practicalities!

Leigh from Marvelous Kiddo (who could be birthing her third babe as I type!) will be introducing the 13 bloggers sometime today and launching a Sakura Bloom giveaway. Head over there to 'meet' the mumas and babies.

Rather fortuitously I'll be spending time with both Tim and Luisa in the next few weeks...I can't wait to see what they capture. 

Tim took these photos when Poet was a hairy little six-week-old bubaloo. I wear the essential linen sling in organic raven/maple. 

because I knew you would ask...

the daffodil-yellow bonnet is the handiwork of a clever little knitter known as dover and madden. Unfortunately my knitting skills don't extend beyond a basic cast-on, knit, change colours, knit, cast-off repertoire. For now I'm getting quite good at tying up the bonnet and emphasising the importance of wearing such an adorable hat.

"She doesn't understand what you're saying," says Daniel.
"I know, but it makes me feel better if I explain it to her."

Poet rips the hat off again and laughs.

She's all tongue-sticking-out (see last photo) blush-cheeked, fired-up cuteness this week. She's ready to rumble and, quite literally, tumble her way around. Daniel and I, we've parented before, but this time it's a completely different ride. 

10/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2012."

Getting the woollens out in preparation for Tasmania.

Che: When he put his beanie on I saw a much older boy. It scared and delighted me in equal measure.

Poet: Does not like wearing hats. Lucky this yellow number has a tie!

52

burst

I went searching for colour on the weekend and found it in bursts around the home. 

It was heartbreaking to sit at the computer as big, happy sun-rays made their way across the backyard but the cups of tea and regular chats with Che made it a little easier to bear. Daniel took the kids out in the afternoon so I could write in the quiet. It was bittersweet, I tell you, knowing that they were frolicking in Sunday afternoon light.  

In between the day-to-day tasks and the long list of stories that need to be written I've been thinking, planning and dreaming about our trip to Tasmania. It's going to be wonderful, I just know it. I sorted out my woollens and I'm making sure I've got enough layers for the kids to wear. Che's little feet have been treated to some adorable Jonah and the Girl kicks and I can quite confidently say that I love them as much as he does (have you ever seen a sweeter motif on a shoe?!) 

This morning in class I encouraged my students to visualise their breath as colour, the first colour that came to mind, and to see that colour move down to and then away from their baby. It was nice to think of all those babies growing, surrounded by soft hues of pink, blue, yellow and lilac.

Che came home from school today and shared his first story of a girl crush. He told us that he kissed Kaia, that she's really pretty and that she wears her hair in a bun "...just like you do Mum." It was the sweetest thing I've ever heard, the most innocent, colourful words.