Greetings from inside the vortex! How are you?
Thank you for the messages, the kind words, the recognition of what an in between/exciting/scary place it is in here. Because it really is. And I feel the need to protect this time, these feelings, this whole experience. You know I talk about everything and I will share in time, but right now I’m IN IT. And I have no perspective because I’m inside of it all which is exactly where I need to be. IN IT.
If you listened to this podcast episode, or this one, or even this one you know I have been preparing very intentionally for this pregnancy and birth experience. And still, the presence of my birth trauma, grief, and joy are all here wrapped up and baked in a beautiful end of pregnancy pie for me to eat all day every day ← Thank you Sara Bareilles for these lyrics from Waitress to support this thought. Fun fact: Sara once attended one of my improv performances. Made me feel like a celeb… Anyway!
I am very ready to be the sole occupant of my body. I’m already up multiple times a night for varying periods of time. I haven’t seen my jawline or ankle bones in…a while. I’m ready to get to know this new baby who never showed his face in any scans. I cry every day for a variety of reasons.
Something that keeps coming up for me in various ways is the buddhist concept of Shoshin or beginner’s mindset. While I’m definitely going into the experience of childbirth and postpartum with a lot more info than last time, it’s still my first time doing this for the second time. It’s my first cesarean. My first birth of THIS baby. My first birth experience where I already have a whole team in place to care for me physically and emotionally. I’m staying open and most importantly curious. I’m asking questions, I’m not making assumptions and I’m playing to the top of my intelligence like I learned in improv.
I talk a bit about how I’m preparing for this experience in this week’s podcast episode and also talk about a subject very near and dear to my heart. A subject you’ve been asking about…hemorrhoids. I’m on a mission to avoid them as firmly as I’m avoiding another vaginal birth. You can listen to the episode here.
Since we are here together and I’m about to give birth, I’ll also share this month’s monthly update a little early! Don’t worry, it’s short because I’ve been SLOWING down.
What happened in May…
I was a guest on Freddy Cruz’s Huge Ask podcast where I talk about how I overcame birth trauma.
A new member of our Private Facebook Group Mom’s Club joined us because of this podcast episode I was a guest on about the importance of boundaries. I’ll be honest, this was a good reminder for me to review, refresh, and communicate mine! Also, if you haven’t joined Mom’s Club, what are you doing?! Join here and make sure to answer the questions so you’ll be admitted!
On Myth of Motherhood we talked about the importance of our word choices informed by my Spanish major at Skidmore College. Our words matter in marriage AND parenting. We also talked to creativity catalyst and coach Liz Kimball about what a real mom would do. Expectations and entering the vortex. Important things to ask yourself and talk to your partner about when considering motherhood like my friend and guest Hiwa Alaghebadnian. And the episode I mentioned earlier about how I’m preparing for the c section and avoiding hemorrhoids.
For paid subscribers here on Substack, we started a series all about the pelvic floor. This is all the info I am constantly talking about on repeat with clients, workshops, when I’m asked to speak at events,etc. Why we have one, what it does, how it changes, and so much more. If you’re not already a paid subscriber, consider using your 7 day free trial right now to check it out and know there is more to come!
What’s coming in June…
A NEW BABY! Which brings with it a new me. I’m excited to meet both of us. This is where I really hold onto the concept of Shoshin. I know I will always be me AND I know my whole life and self is about to explode and where the pieces fall and which ones fall first will be a surprise. Maybe some pieces from last time will show up again. And maybe others will no longer fit into the puzzle. I don’t know so I’m staying open and curious.
I’m no psychic, but I think June is going to be filled with fractured sleep, naps, lots of crying (from all of us), a newborn photo shoot, Jeremy’s birthday, Father’s day, BBQing in our backyard with our new grill and new outdoor furniture, blood, seat, tears, and figuring out how the pieces of our new life and family fit together.
I do have a few more podcast episodes lined up for you before my summer break! I’m sharing about boundaries because …duh, and we’re talking to Amber Trueblood about anxiety types think the 5 love languages for anxiety! I’m so excited about her book and you can check it out and preorder your copy here.
AND…we are talking to my friend, fellow former broadway dancer (we met doing 42nd street in 2008) and THE fitness trainer Amy Schumer wrote a cease and desist letter to…AJ FISHER about how training like a celeb starts with…wait for it…your breath.
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I’d love to hear from you. What is something you are proud of from this month and what is something you are looking forward to next month? Comment below!
As always, I’ve got your back. I’ve got your front. And I’ve got your undercarriage.
Xo, Alissa