“Because they’ve either conveniently forgotten with time or they’re trying to be supportive, most mothers won’t tell you how hard pregnancy (and then childbirth) can be. Let me tell you, it is. It’s brutal sometimes! But, if I did it, ANYONE can do it. I mean, I always knew I was meant to do something really BIG in life, and now I know that this was it. Forget winning an Academy Award someday … I GAVE BIRTH.” –Jenny McCarthy (comedian/actress)
What is it with women who have a ‘high pain threshold’? Are they superheroes? My mother-in-law delivered my husband with no pain medication (and not the slightest inconvenience of a ‘real’ contraction) in one push. She’s amazing.
I, on the other hand, get a splinter on my finger and am begging for an epidural for my arm.
NOT the best candidate to have gestational diabetes; or to simply suffer the general aches and pains of pregnancy, for that matter.
But, alas, I was diagnosed with G.D. To be sure, I have it MUCH better than many other moms who have to take insulin shots, or are confined to bed rest, or a myriad of other health constraints during pregnancy. I have to stick myself with a pin several times a day (which my children think is “really cool”!), and, I have to be careful what I eat. Balance my proteins and carbohydrates and cut back on sugars. I think the eating part is more difficult than the ‘poking with a pin’ part. I LIKE sugar. I mean… really, really enjoy it, thank you very much. Never tempted by Doritos, but bring a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies to my door and I’m your best friend for life!
My husband keeps reminding me that I’m doing this for our child. Which really, for every pregnant woman, is the mantra for the rest of her life: Doing things for her child. Giving up sleep, rocking them when they have a fever, helping them with school projects, being the last to eat your (now room temperature) dinner, etc. But, for some strange reason, they are sacrifices that we willingly do out of devotion for our child.
I’ve always thought the tag-line of the Peace Corps would be perfect for The National Association of Mothers: “The Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love.”
So, I’ll gladly give up the Toll House. And, if you come over for a visit, I’d be grateful for a nice handful of almonds and some string cheese instead.
What’s happening to baby this week?
*Baby now weighs three pounds and is 17” long (two-thirds its birth length).
*Baby blues: Baby’s eyelids are able to open now and the eyelashes and eyebrows have developed. Most newborns (especially of parents with fair skin) are born with slate blue eyes, but the true color begins to come through in the first several weeks after birth.
*Baby’s level of infection fighting antibodies now is equivalent to mom’s.
What’s happening with ME this week?
*Learned a great deal from the Diabetes Care Center; they were very kind and supportive.
*Protein is my friend. Protein is my friend. Protein is my friend.
*Pricking my finger is not as bad as I thought; I actually barely feel it anymore. Now, my varicose veins on the other hand….
Let’s hear from you!
What is the biggest lifestyle change you have made since becoming pregnant?