The Stories My Body Will Never Forget

TW: adoption, family separation

Photo by Luma Pimentel on Unsplash

Birth is a magical portal where the birthing person becomes a bridge between realms to usher life into this reality. While giving birth, the birthing person occupies a liminal space that holds many dimensions at once. In this portal, the birthing person is not only giving birth to new life, but they are experiencing a death of their past selves. Being able to intentionally release what needs to be let go is just as much of a challenge as birthing new life. Birth is the epitome of experiencing life and death simultaneously. Every person who enters this portal deserves the support they need and desire to traverse this journey safely and comfortably. 

My Birth Story

In learning about the story of my birth in the months leading up to giving birth to my first child, I felt deep grief for myself and my mother that I think will be there for the rest of my life. Actually, it revealed the memory and the grief that my body has held since I was born. This memory haunted me in my childhood, in friendships, in past relationships, and continues to haunt me when I least expect it. It has caused me to chase after approval and validation through earning multiple degrees and to live with one foot out the door always.