Ten weeks: People have lots of advice to give me. I like it and welcome all of it as I recognise it as a gesture of care, plus there’s lots of good advice out there. But I am also aware that I cannot follow all of it. This is a time when checking in and getting really clear about my own instinct and wisdom tells me becomes very important. I think nature plans it this way. We as mothers are being created, just as our babies are being created inside. Here’s some of the advice I’ve received, and what I’ve done with it:‘Don’t ride your horse, especially not in the first trimester’—Well, I’ve been riding all my life. Somehow I just couldn’t stop. I have a feeling I’ll stop riding as I get a bit bigger. For now, it feels fine. OK, I don’t jump or sit the trot…but a gentle canter and a medium trail ride seems fine. In fact, helpful. I imagine I might stop around mid second trimester, though I've heard of those who've ridden nearly to the end. I imagine their mounts are gentle!
‘Don’t jog’—I’ve been a runner since I was 15 years old. But I can’t find the energy to run right now. I’m walking instead, and plan to start yoga soon. But if I felt like jogging, I would.
‘Don’t tell anyone for at least three months’—No way! I’m too much of a loud mouth. And something in me wants to create community around this event and this process. If for some reason, I miscarry, then that can be the community process. I’m ok with that, and in fact, would welcome the support that I would undoubtedly need should that happen.
