It All Feels So Overwhelming

It is the moment you have been waiting for, the positive pregnancy test! Maybe this was planned; you’ve been trying for a month or a couple of years or maybe this is a surprise blessing. Whatever the variables, your life is about to change and change fast.

It is difficult enough to know what we are supposed to do once we realize we are pregnant, now you have all the controversial topics from other mothers, doctor’s opinions, friends, in-laws, co-workers, the list goes on and on…..That you now find yourself thinking, “Where do I start and who can I trust?” with all this information out there it can be overwhelming the first time around.

I find that the media-based world we live in today is a blessing and a curse. Information is readily available at any moment, but sorting through the research-based factual truths (and weeding out the opinion-based, lack of evidential support nonsense) is difficult. As a pregnant mother you are bombarded with so much information that in your current emotionally high state, it may seem even more overwhelming and fear-inducing.

Where do we start?

Start with trusting your instincts. Trust yourself first you know your body better than anyone; trust yourself over your doctors, friends, family, etc. If you know something doesn’t sound right, then it probably isn’t. You can always look further into it; you have options and choices!

Ask questions. Ask your doctor, your midwife, doula, nurse, etc. but don’t be shy to question them. How can you find what works best and what is available for you if you don’t ask?

Do a little research to stay informed. It doesn’t hurt to read articles, books or blogs to learn what is out there and find out what people are saying. You can determine whether the information is factual or not. From here, decide what you are comfortable with and what feels right for you.

Who can we trust?

Trust yourself first, as noted above, you know what is best for your body and your baby.

I was scared of the entire pregnancy to the birth process, but what I found out about myself was the more I learned the more empowered I felt. It isn’t about judging others or their opinions and decisions; it is about being educated and making decisions from a knowledgeable position, possibly even sharing that knowledge with others. It is not right or wrong to choose an epidural during birth, to choose cloth over disposable diapers, to choose to breastfeed over formula, at the end of the day the bigger picture is to make choices and decisions with facts and knowledge.

Know the risks (the pros and cons) and know what you are comfortable with.

We are all unique!

It is important to remember, what works for some will not work for all. If things still feel overwhelming, because the feeling can come and go, know that you are not alone! I am quickly learning that motherhood is a journey that starts the moment you find out you are pregnant and never really ends. I am expecting my first child in the next three months or so and I am still learning to listen to my body. I am still absorbing as much information as I can! I feel privileged and empowered to be a woman on my journey to motherhood. I want other women to share in that feeling as well. Take a deep breath….relax……. Motherhood doesn’t have to be overwhelming if we do this together and we honour our bodies. We can do this one step at a time.

Adelle Burtic {200 RYT, PRYT, Certified Meditation Instructor}

I have been practicing yoga since 2006 and teaching since January 2014.  It wasn’t long after completing my 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training that I dove into prenatal yoga training with Mamata Yoga.  Knowing that I was drawn into it, I embraced it wholeheartedly. My training in pre- and post-natal yoga has changed my outlook on pregnancy, birth and motherhood forever.  I have always loved pregnancy and loved how beautiful pregnant women were in all their glory. I see pregnancy as a sacred journey, but now I have a deeper understanding of what it is to participate in that journey both as a teacher and now as a pregnant woman.  Currently pregnant with our first child, I am in awe of women and what our bodies are capable of. I hope to empower women and share this journey of motherhood with others.