For most women (myself included), the moment they find out they're pregnant, they begin analyzing everything detail of their health: everything they eat, how much they eat, how much and how hard they work out, stress levels, quality of relationships, spirituality... everything. Every little choice is made because the health and quality of life of this little baby is so very important.
I have a friend *cough* (you know who you are) *cough* who stopped smoking cold turkey the moment she found out she was pregnant, and began smoking days after she delivered. It's true, the new baby's health is much more fragile than our own. For example, I could probably survive on only lemonade and peanut butter for a few months without too many longterm effects. However, I'm guessing that would cause some serious problems for my developing baby. And I applaud and admire my friend who stopped smoking for her baby. She saved a life, and it was incredibly difficult, more than she admits. :o)
But we do more than the minimum, we scrutinize every little decision. I suddenly began monitoring my protein intake, and limiting my ice cream and cookie intake. I don't feel the least bit guilty for spending $12 on an hour long exercise class (I would have pre-pregnancy). Most women take extremely better care of themselves during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We do and should place this extremely high value on the life of our babies.
But here's the point I want to make: When did our own lives become devalued? At one time, our own mothers and fathers obsessed over what we babies ate, and monitored each ounce and inch we grew. Most of us remember a time when we weren't allowed sugar cereals, fruits, vegetables, 3 well-rounded meals (with milk) were required, and there was a strict limit on the number of cookies permitted after dinner. We got locked out of the house for fresh air if we watched too much TV. Our parents taught us how to have healthy lives. Who are we to devalue ourselves? Become lazy with eating and exercise habits? Put ourselves in unnecessarily stressful situations? They took great care of us, taught us well, and gave us the freedom and responsibility to take care of ourselves. How did we do with that responsibility? Do we put enough thought and effort into our eating and exercise choices? Are our minds and relationships as they should be? Do we love ourselves as much as our parents loved us?
How will I feel when my baby neglects him/herself one day?
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5 comments:
Megan, that's about the most insightful thought I've heard in a few weeks.
I'd like to remind you, however, that ice cream is rich in calci-yum, and actually several vitamins and minerals. Also, if you do as Christy does, you can buy light or low-fat ice cream (we buy Turkey Hill brand) and shave some excess calories.
Also, I recommend fruit. If you eat a kerbillion servings of fruit per day, you spend less time hungry, it satisfies a sugariness craving, and you get only a few extra calories. Again, congratulations!
Megan,
I recommend twinkies. With a supposed shelf life of 7 years, you can guarantee your immortality (or preservation). That way, you'll be around longer to nag ole' Junior.
Just kidding :)
I found myself eating way healthier during my first pregnancy - and then continued to eat healthier after the baby was born. Hopefully this trend will continue.
Great post by the way!
Those were beautiul thoughts Meg and oh so true.
First off, CONGRATULATIONS! i havent spoken to you in awhile, so i thought that was coming.
Man i am really upset that i havent checked my email in awhile. Had i known you had such an interesting blog page, i would've been posting comments much earlier. I checked my mail tonight and saw the videos you sent me of the superball avalanche, (which is amazing, im about 14,500 balls sort, but i have a dream) and then i noticed the link to this blog. So, without further ado, ill say this.
I read a story about a gentleman living in New York a few years ago who was one hundred and fifteen; he was the oldest man living in New York; and he was doing quite well. He lived on his own, got around with no trouble. People asked him, of course, 'What was you're diet; what're you eating?' Then he narrowed his diet down: from the ages of ninety to one hundred and fifteen, his diet consisted mostly of three gallons of Thunderbird wine a week, and bread fried in fatback. When they asked him, ' Why don't you fry your bread in bacon?', he said, 'Bacon is too lean.' So there is an example of someone who completely went against traditional medical and social rules of health, and it worked out for him. And if he'd gone to a doctor, the doctor would've been, 'What is the matter with you?! You're out of control, dammit! You know what? You're gonna have to start eating vegetables.' And he would've, and he'd have been dead in a week!' "
Now im paraphrasing Lewis Black here, and obviously this is an extreme example. But i think it really goes to show that for all we pretend to know, we actually know nothing. I agree with watching how we eat, how we exercise, and lowering our stress levels can drastically improve our health; but at what cost? We as a society are obsessed with health, and i cant help but agree with Mr Black when i say, "duh! that makes us unhealthy!"
Eat healthy. Exercise. But live. Theres no chemical replacement for Yocco's, and theres a reason for that. Its amazing. and im sure your future child would appreciate the heads up here and there.
hehe
ill be commenting soon im sure, again; congrats!
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