I'm in the lovely process of preparing myself for childbirth. In doing so, I've taken up reading Birthing From Within...thank you for the recommendation, Sara (our Doodle...that's what Mia calls our Doula). I just read the chapter on Birth Art, and today it felt right to start exploring my thoughts and feelings. Here are some main points of the Birthing From Within philosophy that speak loudly to me:
- Childbirth is a profound rite of passage, not a medical event (even when medical care is part of the birth).
- The essence of childbirth preparation is self-discovery, not assimilating obstetric information
- Active, creative self-expression is critical to childbirth preparation.
Birth Art 2 - Transition
medium: washable marker
I felt pain in my back and my belly...it was stronger than I was... there was just a hint of my form...the focus on the pain, and the baby was breach. I stopped as soon as I noticed that and went on to my next drawing
Birth Art 4 - Safety
medium: colored pencil
We are a family united by are love and shielded from the chaos (outsiders, complications....) I hold my eldest in the crook of my arm, my baby safe inside, my husband watching over us all.
I noticed that in all my pieces, I wasn't pushing...I'm not quite there yet. Loving Miss Lily inside of me, thank you very much. I do feel that learned a lot about myself while creating and exploring...looking forward to more! :)
11 comments:
I had typed a long post and then my internet went out (again).
as I was saying...
These are incredible. So powerful.
How wonderful that you took time do draw these. And how neat will it be for Lily (and also Mia) to be able to go back and look at these when they're older.
'Safety' -- I love this.
Love it.
I love these, the last one especially. It's very sweet and poignant. I'm so happy that you are enjoying your pregnancy so much.
I love your artwork...you should do more. :)
Finally the page loaded... I read that book when I was pregnant with Gwen and found it so helpful! I wish I'd saved some of my birth art. Thanks so much for sharing these - they are beautiful. Glad Miss Lily is so safe and warm. :)
wonder filled images...i am in the dark how far along are you?
These are gorgeous. What a beautiful and inspiring idea!
These are wonderful! You are definitely an artist. :) What a great project to bring your feelings into the forefront. I can't really say which is my favorite, because they all speak to me. Well done!
Wow Tanya, this is awesome!! I'm totally fascinated. You are quite the artist!
These are great!
Thank you for sharing your blog with us at Birthing From Within. Just being willing to jump in and play with art materials and explore your inner experience of pregnancy and birth is a huge step!
We are in the process of developing our "Birth Art" section on our website. You may also be interested in 2 of Pam England's more recent publications: A Journal companion to the book, with lots of room for journaling and art-making, plus additional processes and info that goes beyond what is in the BFW book; and a brand new book on the Laborinth.
Keep going with the art...and see what happens when you do not censor or limit. Allow the fears, doubts, and unknowns to have just as much space as the positive, happy images. The learning is in going BEYOND what you already know and are comfortable with..diving into the unknown.
~Virginia
Managing Director of Birthing From Within
I am SOOOO glad you are enjoying the process of the birth art. I knew you'd get into the Birthing From Within book, whole heartedly. I adore your art, its beautiful, like you. Pregancy is truly a cocoon, and when Lily is ready to transform to the other side of "the veil" you too will be transformed again, in the most wonderful way. Pregnancy can bring some of the most indepth creativity with it. Feel it, love it, listen to it, be with it. Love you mama, can't wait to see more of this beautiful progress. :)
Beautiful Images! I have the book but havent done much myself so this is an awesome reminder to pick it up and really enjoy these last 2 months.
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