JOURNALING THROUGH PREGNANCY
As a birth doula I support parents anticipating childbirth. Some folks have just got it together and some are absolutely terrified. It’s not uncommon for people to disconnect from what’s going on when they’re filled with anxiety. In these situations, the birth experience might be viewed as something that is going to “happen” to them. It can be difficult to vocalize these thoughts. Writing can help.
It’s so important to address your emotions- especially during pregnancy as sometimes things that feel dormant can pop up during labor and even seep into postpartum. One fantastic way to do this is through journaling. The act of getting your thoughts out of your head can be so therapeutic. It can offer some perspective and sometimes relief of not keeping it bottled inside. It can even help you realize how you’re really feeling. For example, you may recognize that you’re worried about being a good parent or that you’re worried about being able to handle the sensations of labor. Maybe your light bulb moment is that you’re trying to juggle too much and need to slow down.
In a journal you complain all you want about how uncomfortable your back is or how you've been constipated. You can deal with your worry about saving money and the stress that it may put on a relationship. You can talk about how your partner is driving you crazy being overly attentive or not attentive at all. You can vent about how your pregnancy jeans push on your belly and make you feel like you should just go ahead and move into the bathroom. You can be moody and no one will complain because your journal isn't for or about them. It’s a safe outlet for your fears and concerns.
Once you’ve started, don’t stop. Keep on going after you have your baby. Let it ease your stresses and store your victories. If you’re not feeling “Dear diary” opening, don’t use it. If you don’t want to fill pages at a time, don’t. Maybe turning your journal into a memory book is preferable. It can be a great way to document your feelings and experiences during pregnancy and life as a new parent. It can also be wonderful to revisit years later and read the birth stories that you wrote. Your journal could end up being a link to some of the most precious moments in your life. There’s no wrong way to do this.
If in your journaling you notice symptoms of anxiety or depression, please contact someone that can help you through it.