Latest update September 20th, 2024 12:59 AM
Dec 25, 2013 News
By Keeran Danny
Another Christmas and I’m pregnant again! Thankfully, this time I’m in my first trimester. So instead of waiting for my ‘water bag’ to burst I can put my feet up and relax.
Waking up to freshly prepared pepper-pot and homemade bread may sound like the traditional Christmas breakfast, but for me eating has become a chore. With the wide variety of delicacies available, my taste buds have a serious challenge. In the end, I may settle for a glass of milk and a slice of fruit cake. Keeping that down may be another challenge.
Perhaps a blessing in disguise though, because like last year, I would not be lifting a finger to help prepare Christmas lunch, which is usually the highlight of Christmas Day. Excused from the unwelcoming scent of food being cooked and chores, I would watch movies. Nothing says Christmas like those Home Alone movies that never seem to get boring. Ideally, that is how a holiday should be spent- relaxing with lots of laughter.
I recall that last Christmas my only chore was to pace the house. I was advised to walk, since exercise would help to make my labour experience “easy”. Oh boy was that concept skewed! My impending delivery held my family’s Christmas celebration hostage. My mom didn’t even bake cake out of the fear that I would go into labour. She was excited, I rather suspect more than me.
But, going into labour would not have been the icing on my cake if I had any.
Whilst speaking to other mothers recently at clinic for this feature made me realize that my last Christmas’ experience was not unique- that is, for at least the first time pregnant mothers.
They too were pampered and excused from toiling to make the Christmas holiday festive. They were not tasked with going through the real Guyanese tradition of tedious general house cleaning, putting up decorations, and cooking.
They too were thankful for the rest and the constant nudging in their tummies. I can totally relate to that. When everyone was taken up with their various activities the precious little one in my tummy kept my company. Ever so often he did summersaults, stretched and ‘played football.’ Those moments were more special than the wonderful presents received. In a way, he was the best Christmas gift. After all he is a gift from God.
Somehow mothers in their second trimester seem to have an easier time enjoying the festive season. Many of them rejoiced that the nauseous phase of their pregnancies was over. And, everyday activities and interactions were not restricted. Early morning church service was a delightful experience. They were also fortunate to participate in most activities except for naps during the day.
The seasoned mothers had quite a different story to tell. And, perhaps listening to their experiences made me grateful that my husband is not fussy about Christmas. Some mothers, even though being nine-months pregnant, took up the Christmas torch. I must say hats off to them. They have to be bionic women to weigh 200 -odd pounds, be experiencing constant pains and still make Christmas celebrations possible for their families.
The possibility of their water bag being ruptured did not stop their celebrations. Knowledgeable of the labour process- even what the timings of contractions meant- having a packed bag for the hospital was all they really needed. Their common aim was to give their children and husbands a delightful day. I guess that is what mothers do: selflessly give to their children and loved ones.
Giving birth is indeed a gift from God. And, that is exactly why Christmas is celebrated around the world. This festive season commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. He was born in Bethlehem in Judea, to the Virgin Mary.
To my fellow mothers have a Merry Christmas and a reproductive New Year!
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