Wisconsin
Greetings from the land of cheese and beer (the latter of which I'm sadly missing). This is my last work trip before I get relegated to the no-fly list. Following my lifelong pattern of pushing every limit, I will return from this trip at 35 weeks pregnant, right before the 36 week flying restriction grounds me.
The decision to take this trip has been highly symbolic for me, representing the inner struggle I face over my identity: professional woman, mom and wife, or both? And if both, where are the boundaries?
For weeks, I've vacillated in my decision to fly out here. I'm attending a conference that is great for my career, a rare convening that is perfectly suited to my strengths and populated by just the right contacts. I also want to prove to myself and my colleagues that I am fully capable of balancing my career and family. I don't want anyone discounting me just because I'm having a baby.
And yet, I have been pretty freaked out by the idea of going into labor in Wisconsin. If I know anything about this bambino, it is that this kid is a Californian! I think a little part of me would always be heartbroken if my kid were not born in the state I so deeply love and identify with. But my biggest fear, is the idea of going into labor without Andy by my side. We have spent months preparing to do this together and I just can't imagine getting through birth without his help. Plus I am eagerly awaiting the opportunity to bond with him during labor, a unique experience that I imagine will even further strengthen our marriage.
Ultimately, I based my decision on risk assessment, professional advice and logic. The most extreme scenario indicates I could have a 5% chance of going into labor this week, but the most likely risk is probably under 1%. Two out of three of my midwives encouraged the trip and assured me I was perfectly safe to travel across the country at 35 weeks (the other said she wouldn't do it, but acknowledged it wasn't contra-indicated). I am having a normal healthy pregnancy with no signs of preterm labor (just knocked on wood!). I know the signs of preterm labor and if I feel anything suspicious, I will just jump on a plane back home. I call it the Palin maneuver (ha! -- never guessed I'd cite her as my role model!).
The fact is, I am going to be fine. Unless I'm not...but I will know what to do then, and I will always have a good story to tell.
For now, I am going to enjoy this conference and enjoy the cheese. When I get home, I will be 35 weeks pregnant and ready to settle down and embrace my new role.
Unless I can squeeze in one more quick flight.
:-)
The decision to take this trip has been highly symbolic for me, representing the inner struggle I face over my identity: professional woman, mom and wife, or both? And if both, where are the boundaries?
For weeks, I've vacillated in my decision to fly out here. I'm attending a conference that is great for my career, a rare convening that is perfectly suited to my strengths and populated by just the right contacts. I also want to prove to myself and my colleagues that I am fully capable of balancing my career and family. I don't want anyone discounting me just because I'm having a baby.
And yet, I have been pretty freaked out by the idea of going into labor in Wisconsin. If I know anything about this bambino, it is that this kid is a Californian! I think a little part of me would always be heartbroken if my kid were not born in the state I so deeply love and identify with. But my biggest fear, is the idea of going into labor without Andy by my side. We have spent months preparing to do this together and I just can't imagine getting through birth without his help. Plus I am eagerly awaiting the opportunity to bond with him during labor, a unique experience that I imagine will even further strengthen our marriage.
Ultimately, I based my decision on risk assessment, professional advice and logic. The most extreme scenario indicates I could have a 5% chance of going into labor this week, but the most likely risk is probably under 1%. Two out of three of my midwives encouraged the trip and assured me I was perfectly safe to travel across the country at 35 weeks (the other said she wouldn't do it, but acknowledged it wasn't contra-indicated). I am having a normal healthy pregnancy with no signs of preterm labor (just knocked on wood!). I know the signs of preterm labor and if I feel anything suspicious, I will just jump on a plane back home. I call it the Palin maneuver (ha! -- never guessed I'd cite her as my role model!).
The fact is, I am going to be fine. Unless I'm not...but I will know what to do then, and I will always have a good story to tell.
For now, I am going to enjoy this conference and enjoy the cheese. When I get home, I will be 35 weeks pregnant and ready to settle down and embrace my new role.
Unless I can squeeze in one more quick flight.
:-)
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