MOTHERHOOD: GODS PREGNANCY PLAN

If you don’t see me posting regularly on social media just know that I am busy staring at this little human being. Even when she is sleeping, I find myself at her bedside, waiting for her to wake up. The feeling is inexplicable. It’s been exactly 14 months and, I still can’t believe what God has done in my life.

This little girl has all my attention as soon as she opens her eyes. She always gives me a huge smile, followed by a kiss. Then the rest is history. She is my sunshine in human form!

I must admit though, this is different from when I was 13 years old. I once had a very long lecture with my late mom when I first went on my menstrual period. As a traditional/old fashioned  woman, she took this transition to teen hood very critically. When I had my first period, she’d travelled and upon hearing the news from our neighbour, she immediately returned from her trip. I still remember the conversation vividly because after that one-to-one session, I decided to that I will (in that order!):

1. Be the first in my family to graduate at university,
2. Become financially independent, and
3. Get married.

I just wanted to make my mother proud because that was the instruction she gave me. I wasn’t particularly sure what I wanted to study. I certainly didn’t know I will go about accomplishing everything, but I understood the order. As it become harder to just achieve a mere undergraduate qualification and a stable job, my hopes to get married dwindled even more, never mind falling pregnant and becoming a mother! I didn’t have patience with children; I only interacted with them from a distance.

Fast forward to achieving my personal goals. God blessed me with marriage life. I upheld the belief that God would expand the family at his own timing. I took my time to enjoy my space thoroughly for three years in marriage. When I felt ready, I started slowly contemplating on having a baby and I executed the plan accordingly. I named my daughter Faith even before I conceived, and boy did my faith not get tested!

The preparation and manifestation stage took longer than I expected. When my first gynaecologist informed me that I had fibroids, the news was hard to swallow. The jargon she used was heavy for my level of understanding so I needed time to do self research. All I remember from that consultation was that I will not be able conceive unless I go through a surgery to remove the fibroids first. Her feedback didn’t sit well with my spirit so I tried another gynaecologist to see if I will get the same result and she was the go-to person. By the Grace of the Lord, I didn’t have to go to through surgery to deliver the baby. There is just a lot to mention and to be grateful but for now I just want to share my experience and tell someone that God is faithful.

Now that this Faith is personified. My life has been changed for good. I thank God daily, for trusting me with this role of Motherhood. You must know that I am getting matured when I start to repeat the following line ‘I only pray for many years so I can reap the fruits of my labour.’ I must confess that, prior Faith I didn’t know anything about breastfeeding and basic skills of nurturing a newborn but when Faith was born, part of me become born again also. I am truly thankful to God who sent the right helpers at the right time. My midwife was correct when she said: “there is no school for mothering. You learn everything on-the-go and you will know exactly what needs to be done as the mother of the child”.

Here are the life lessons we all need to relearn:

1. Stop asking people when they intend to get pregnant.
   2. Stop the spreading the stigma that it is a woman who can’t conceive. Both parties need to be medically checked.
   3. Stop disrespecting and undermining childless women.

For pregnancy care consultations, I recommend Lilo Mthembu from Ten-n-Ten Birthing. Her business WhatsApp number is +27 81 234 8804. Her Instagram page is Ten n Ten Birthing @lilomthembu. She is based in Genesis Hospital. 

For gynaecologist and obstetrician consultations, I recommend Dr Dlakavu, who consults both at Genesis Hospital and Netcare Olivedale Hospital.

I would also recommend Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital. It specialises with children and mothers. Rahima Moosa is a public hospital located at Coronationville, Johannesburg.

Thank you for taking your time in reading my birth story.

For the Bible tells us that ” Whatever, you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24

May your faith be restored…