Suji’s Motherhood Experience

My Incredible Journey – Pregnancy

Becoming pregnant was not an easy journey for me. I conceived at the age of 30, after trying for three long years. After 40th periods of being together.  It was a challenging time, meeting family and friends who often asked when we’d be expecting, and dealing with the emotional ups and downs of waiting for our blessing.

When we finally did conceive, I quickly realized that the pregnancy journey wouldn’t be easy either. Well-meaning advice came pouring in from family and friends — “Be careful,” “Don’t climb stairs,” “Don’t work too hard,” “Don’t bend, sit, or walk too much.” While I knew this advice came from a place of love and care, my husband and I decided to live our pregnancy the way we felt was best. We choose to be active, stay engaged with life, and not let fear or restriction dictate our experience.

I worked for 8-10 hours a day in the office right up until a week before my delivery. Many women experience morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting during pregnancy, but I never did. I believe a lot of the discomforts that come with pregnancy are triggered by psychological factors. In the movies, pregnancy is often portrayed with dramatic scenes of vomiting, but my journey was different. I woke up every morning feeling active and ready to start the day. I spent my evenings exercising, doing 2-hour workouts — walking, slow running, and stretching on the terrace while listening to light music. One of my favorite things was hearing the chirping of hundreds of parrots returning home in the evening.

Even at work, I stayed active. I travelled for business by flight, road, and train — my leaders were always supportive and never pressured me. A few days before my due date, I even climbed a ladder to clean the shelves in my house in preparation for our newborn, and I mopped the floors by hand without a mop stick!

Every weekend, my husband and I would go for early morning walks in the park to expose the baby to fresh air and the sounds of nature, including the chirping birds. I never stopped doing what I loved, ensuring my baby and I stayed safe.

Throughout my pregnancy, I made it a habit to speak to my baby. I would explain what I was doing, what I was eating, and the nutritional value of the foods I chose. I also listened to rhymes, and music I loved, and even read the book ”  The Secret ” to nurture my mind and spirit. I would tell my baby about all the people who would be in their life, explaining the relationships they would have. During my baby shower, as family and friends came up to bless me, I explained to the baby, how lucky you are to have so many wonderful people. Also, I kept explaining to him who was blessing him and me.  Like it’s now Granny blessing you, Grandpa blessing you.

I remember feeling my baby, Suthiksh, for the first time in the fourth month of pregnancy, around 7 p.m. It was a strong kick from his tiny little legs. I was sitting with my mom, making garlands, when a thunderstorm rolled in. I believe the sound of the storm startled him, and he gave me that big kick! I excitedly told my mom, “Amma, the baby is kicking!” she said, “That means your baby is healthy and has good hearing.”

The final days of pregnancy were not easy, either. Suthiksh stayed in my womb until 40 weeks, and just two days before reaching the 40-week mark, he was born. My husband and I were pressured by family to schedule a C-section to align with an auspicious time, “Nalla Neram.” There was also pressure from some elders about delivering during a new moon, fearing it might affect the baby’s future. Despite the pressure, we decided we wanted to wait for the natural onset of labor. We were strong in our decision but still faced the constant tug of family expectations.

Suthiksh was born after 16 hours of labor, which was followed by a C-section. It was exhausting, but my determination kept me going. Same day evening was up and walking, climbing stairs by 8 p.m. — less than 24 hours after delivery! When the doctor visited me the following morning, she couldn’t believe her eyes. I wasn’t lying in bed with a tired face in my hospital gown. Instead, I was up, moving around in my own clothes, going about the room with energy and purpose.

After Suthiksh was born, I noticed how he responded to the sounds he had heard while in the womb — the music, the parrots, and even the rhythms of daily life. He would wave his hands and legs, trying to interact with the world around him.

Today, Suthiksh is 9 years old. He is an independent, confident, and happy child. He has a strong sense of self, is highly respectful of elders, and doesn’t seek attention. He is active, just like he was in the womb, and continues to surprise me with his wisdom and thoughtfulness. He makes me proud every day.

My journey with Suthiksh has changed me in countless ways. I’ve grown into a better, stronger person. The lessons I’ve learned from him have shaped my evolution into a more compassionate, focused individual. The credit for everything I am today goes to my husband, who stood by my side every step of the way. Without his unwavering support, I wouldn’t be who I am.

As I reflect on my life now, at the age of 39, I am still pursuing my leadership course to remain competitive in this fast-paced world. Saturdays are a busy day for us. Suthiksh’s chess class starts at 9:30 a.m., and my online class begins at 10 a.m. Today, we woke up late due to a long workday the day before. We were all running behind on our morning routine — from cooking breakfast to getting ready.

Despite the rush, my husband helped Suthiksh get into his class, while I made dosa for him. I was running late for my class, so I took a quick shower and joined my class without breakfast. When my husband went out to get groceries, Suthiksh came to check if I had eaten. I told him I hadn’t and was feeling hungry. Without hesitation, he made his first dosa for me, all on his own, and served it to me. My eyes filled with tears — no words could express how touched I was. I enjoyed his crispy dosa while attending my class, filled with gratitude.

To all the moms-to-be reading this, I wish you a healthy, safe pregnancy and a smooth delivery. I will keep you all in my prayers for a safe and happy journey ahead.

Regards,
Suthiksh’s Mom. 

What unforgettable pregnancy memory do you have? Write to me at eetrarai@gmail.com. I am sure it will help others.