Three years ago I went to Bilbao for a week-long training in Creative Education. At the time my main motivation to do this course was to spend a week with myself (after 4 years of intense parenting of twins) and paint, play with clay and dance in a judgement free space. Another mother from the shared parenting group we were part of at the time (Educar es Amar) had told us about Creative Education and its importance in preserving and unfolding ... continue reading...
The first 40 days after birth: connecting with yourself and your baby
Puerperal or postpartum period, known as “la cuarentena” in Spanish refers to the 40 day period after a woman gives birth. In Spanish culture, it is a period in which the new mother and infant rest and remain at home. It coincides with the physical and hormonal process in which the woman's body returns to normality after the pregnancy and birth. I am nearly at the end of my “puerperio” or “cuarentena” which finishes this week. It has ... continue reading...
Lennon’s birth (part 2)
Denia's public hospital, Marina Salud: 4 a.m. “SIP card please. Pregnant woman with contractions” said the receptionist without even looking at me. A nurse quickly takes Brenda away on a wheelchair through a labyrinth of doors and corridors. Marta the midwife and I follow, walking briskly. Brenda is still having contractions during her journey through the hospital. Inside the lift she holds my hand tightly while she surfs another uterine wave. ... continue reading...
Lennons birth – Part 1
A week ago, when I met Brenda at the beach at sunset, she told me in a low voice that she had been having a large amount of clear discharge before and during her yoga class. My internal alarm bells went off. Brenda was still two days away from reaching week 36 of her pregnancy and we were facing the possibility that Brenda's waters had broken... When this reality was confirmed by the gynaecologist, we had to begin to accept the hard reality of ... continue reading...