Becoming Undone

Postpartum can be a rather painful time- physically. I wasn't ready for this with Caleb. You spend all this time preparing for the birth and all this time thinking about caring for a newborn, and maybe 5 minutes reading about how your body is going to recover. Then you have the baby and everything is uncomfortable.

If you've had a baby- you're nodding your head right now- perhaps vigorously. If you haven't, you may be wondering what I am referring to. I'd love to tell you, but this isn't the appropriate place : ) However, I do encourage you to find a godly woman you can trust to ask about it. Beware of women who have NOTHING good to say- that's not helpful. But someone who can be honest, gentle, and hopeful about what your body goes through as it recovers and learns to breastfeed.

One of the MANY benefits of natural childbirth is that the recovery is easier. Because I had been doing certain exercises, I had no rips, tears or stitches. Because I could feel each contraction, and therefore relax through it, I have no lingering pains in my abdomen or back.

However, nursing has caused me some grief. But thanks to lots of ladies who have encouraged me that it doesn't last forever, I am able to press on and feed my baby the best food for her. And even in 6 days, I've seen lots of improvement.

I read something last night that encouraged my heart in this matter and that I wanted to share with you. It just so happens that this woman's timing is the exact same as mine (2 weeks prior to Easter). These thoughts are helping to keep my heart focused.

From Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches by Rachel Jankovic:

"My very kind and wise husband once left a note for me on Easter morning, two weeks after Daphne was born. He wrote, 'To my wife, before she even goes near the closet on Easter morning,' or something romantic like that. In it, he encouraged me to realize that there was no more fitting way to celebrate Easter (or any part of the Christian life) than in a body that has been undone on behalf of another."

I teared up when I read that last night and when I had Ross read it and when I type it now. Jesus' body was brutally undone... for us. I may be sore and tired and rundown. I can complain about all of this- or I can rejoice that I am suffering, in such a small way, like Christ did.

Thanks, Jesus- for becoming undone on behalf of me. May I see my own undoing on behalf of Genevieve, not as an inconvenience, but as a noble way to reflect you.