Sylvie Everingham-Potts
My pregnancy has been an exciting and challenging time. I have encountered many physical and emotional changes some expected and some not.
I have often heard “it changes your life, nothing will ever be the same”. I have never been afraid of a challenge and am interested as to how we will grow as a family.
I have also experienced things which I did not see coming. Firstly, the limitations on our local maternity ward, meaning I opted to see a specialist in Orange.
And then something I never expected to deal with – COVID-19. It feels like I’ve lost control of aspects of my life, as all of us had.
Although there are horrific factors associated with the pandemic, it has also given us a window of time to review many aspects of our lives which many will never get the opportunity to do till retirement.
We have realised what is truly important, begun supporting each other and become more grateful for the simple things.
I am a firm believer in perspective. I am only allowed one support person during giving birth when I always thought my mum would be there with my husband plus others.
I thought my maternity leave would be full of celebrating with my friends my journey into motherhood, instead I have been confronted with a cancelled baby shower and isolation. I have watched as so many around me have had their lives change horrendously and mourned not only my losses but the ones of my friends and family.
Throughout it all though I have made it my personal mission to make sure I am grateful every day for the things I do have, my health, my community, my family, my home, support services in our country, technology which helps us to stay connected and of course my baby!
By Sylvie Everingham-Potts