You Just Know  

 I went in for my six week post-pregnancy checkup with my OB-GYN.  It was the typical checkup like I would receive at my yearly exam (don’t worry, I won’t go into those details).  Everything went fine.

She talked about how she and her husband went to Vegas to watch a Cirque Show and once of the dancers looked as if she could be pregnant.  She said they talked about it and her husband said he didn’t think the female was pregnant because all the weight was in her belly and that’s not possible.  My doctor said she thought about me and said that it was possible because that’s where all of my weight was.  I was flattered to hear her say that (but also know she must not have gotten a good look at me while preggo because my hips s.p.r.e.a.d!)

Anyway, she asked if I was interested in having another baby. Say what?!  I just popped out baby number one.  Can’t baby #1 have his first tooth appear before we have this conversation? Honestly, though, I did understand her reason for asking and told her I didn’t know.  She talked about how this one was a high risk pregnancy and the course of action she’s take if Milton and I became pregnant again.

She then looked at me seriously and said “The thing that really scared me about you is that your condition would not have shown up on any tests.  It’s a good thing you know your body.  YOU saved your baby!” 
I saved my baby.  What powerful words those are.  Especially when she says it and both of us look down at sweet Maximus.  I saved my baby.  Yes, those months of bed rest were worth it, but more importantly – I listened to my body.  I think about how often we listen to any and everyone around and often question ourselves.  Whether its relationship or career advice, we let our single friends steer us wrong and our jobless friends prevent us from taking a job that might not seem ideal. Why do we feel everyone else knows what is better for us?  And why do we depend so often on the wrong people to reach out to?

Maybe it’s time to listen to yourself and follow your own lead.  Will you always make the right decision? Of course not.  Will everyone always agree? Heck no.  But at least take the time to listen to yourself as you take time to listen to others.  I listened to my body and saved my child’s life so listen to your body and follow your heart. You might just save your own life.