We see the same thing every day in our Pregnancy Center. Clients come in and they are afraid. Afraid of the outcome of the pregnancy test, afraid of rejection or judgment, afraid of the life change that has happened, afraid of the future. It is in that moment that we wish we had the power of angels to say “Do not be afraid”- and it would be so. Unfortunately, it is not that easy. We won’t minimize a clients fears, we will understand because many of the advocates clients meet with have been in that same fearful place. The task is ours to meet the client in her fear and try to help her through the fear and into a place of peace, confidence and hope. It is not easy and we are not always successful. Fear has an amazing power to literally drive someone into danger (isn’t that theme of most horror movies?). Fear can make us choose an option we would never consider in a place of peace. Fear makes us panic and our thoughts are not rational or reasonable. Fear makes us think only about survival and about this moment, not the future.
The Client Advocates at the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center come along side fearful clients and try, with all our hearts, to bring her out of fear and into a place of safety and peace, so that she can make a clear and calm decision regarding her pregnancy.
Happy Autumn
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Are you in your first trimester of pregnancy? Listen to this quote: “You don’t become a mother when you deliver; you are a mother right now.”
How does this make you feel? In this blog we will cover briefly what you’ll learn when you come to your first Earn While You Learn class-that NOW is the time to start preparing for your baby. It’s not when you’re on your way to the emergency room because you’re having contractions, when the doctor hands you your newborn baby, or when you carry baby inside his or her new home. It starts now.
Motherhood, and fatherhood begins today. So what steps are you making to prepare yourself for a healthy baby?
Your body is changing slowly, but by the time you find out you are pregnant (around 4 weeks) your baby has already developed all his internal organs, and his DNA and gender is already determined, though the gender won’t be visible in an ultrasound until the second trimester.
What is a “trimester” anyways?
Pregnancy is made of three trimesters, each with a span of approximately 13 weeks. Your pregnancy spans to around 40 weeks. This means you have nearly 9 months to prepare for baby’s new home, because let’s be honest- his first home is in your stomach!
One of the most common symptoms in pregnancy besides morning sickness is tiredness. If you find yourself more fatigued at work, home, or just doing nothing- don’t worry! This is normal. You want to make sure you’re staying hydrated, resting, sleeping, and eating healthy to avoid one other pregnancy symptom-headaches.
There are plenty of questions that parenting classes can answer but so many questions that are best answered by a medical professional. Our workbooks come from licensed and experienced nurses, doctors, and doulas but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t see your OBGYN for concerns about your pregnancy.
For example, if you begin experiencing severe cramps which include vaginal bleeding you should call your medical provider right away. Also, if you’re unable to keep liquids down, you’re losing weight, you feel faint, or have been vomiting blood call your doctor.
As you continue to process what this new pregnancy means for you, your future, and your loved ones, take some time to ask yourself these questions. You might even consider beginning a journal for your pregnancy to help you during those times of stress, anxiety, or joy and excitement.
Ask Yourself:
- How do I feel about this pregnancy?
- Do I feel ready? If not, what is one way I can prepare myself for the new baby? (HINT: Sign up for our EWYL classes!)
- Who in my life can I talk to about my feelings or who can help me when I’m feeling too tired to do things on my own?
After you’ve answered these questions, think about who in your life you can talk to about your pregnancy. We have client advocates for both moms and dads that are happy to listen to your concerns. We also have licensed nurses that are able to answer some of your questions about getting an ultrasound. Call us for questions or send us a message.