The most common postnatal reaction remains (after sheer relief) sheer disbelief. Disbelief at the extent of our ignorance. Disbelief at the extent of our arrogance. Disbelief that we could ever have imagined we could control and direct our responses, that we could “manage” pain. In short, most of us emerge from the experience of childbirth in a state of shock, aghast with discover that everyone “prepared” us, but no one told us the truth.
~ The Mask of Motherhood: How Becoming a Mother Changes Our Lives and Why We Never Talk About It by Susan Maushart
When I read this quote, I found myself nodding and saying, “That’s exactly what Unexpectant is about: the truth. ” I don’t know how many times I’ve heard women express their own disbelief in regards to birth and becoming a mom. But why is this? With all the information and resources out there today, why do so many of us feel this sense of disbelief? As friends and families, colleagues and comrades, shouldn’t we be better preparing women? I’m not talking about sharing horror stories of long labors and nightmare epidural experiences. I’m talking about removing the Super Mom mask, getting real, being honest and sharing our journeys.
So we’re asking you to not hold back. Tell us: What disbeliefs have you experienced? How could you have been better informed? And how will you inform others?