Somer Loomis – Pregnancy and Birth Story
Somer is an Architect and Chief Content Officer for her family run non-profit called Birth2Work where she coaches couples with children of all ages to come together as confident leaders of their family team. She lives in Southern California with her husband of 11 years and their son. She loves being a mom and inspiring other parents to feel excited about their journey and the amazing opportunity they have to raise incredible people.
Was your pregnancy planned or a surprise?
Absolutely planned. We had been trying for about 4 months and I finally had a positive pregnancy test on my birthday in 2016.
How did you share the news with your partner, family, and friends?
With my husband, I basically ran and attacked him with the positive test stick the minute he got home from work. We already had dinner plans because it was my birthday so it was an easy celebration. My sister was the first person we told which was earlier than planned but she got suspicious when I had to decline a wine tasting trip. For both sets of our parents, we waited to tell them in person and filled old cigar boxes with chocolate cigars and a pair of baby booties then set the box out on the table after dinner as if they were filled with specialty chocolates we brought to share.
Related: 8 Things you Need to do in the First Trimester
Which was your favorite trimester?
Second. I was never sick in the first trimester but the growing stage was just a little awkward. I was very happy once the bump was obviously a baby. I never felt more happy or positive about my body than during that time.What was your pregnancy MUST HAVE (craving, product, etc.)?I wanted vegetables oddly enough but I couldn’t stand the smell of cooked vegetables so I drank a lot of green juice.
Did you find out the gender?
Yes. Neither I nor my husband wanted to wait. The suspense was too much.
Were there any complications throughout your pregnancy?
Not at all. It was smooth sailing.
Did you go into labor naturally or were you induced?
I had to have my membranes stripped twice because I was nearing 42 weeks which was the cut off point for me being able to give birth with the midwives instead of going to a hospital. Luckily it worked out and I went into labor a few hours after the second membrane strip.
How long were you in labor?
From first twinge to baby born was 18 hours. Pushing was only about 20 minutes.
Did you get an epidural or go all natural?
All natural. I was at a birth center so there was no option for epidural, which I knew of course. We did a Hypnobirthing class to prepare.
What was the best and worst part about labor and delivery?
Best was it being over! The immediate wave of satisfaction once he was born was unreal. Worst part was getting to the birth center. They weren’t expecting me to be as far along as I was so I ended up going through transition in the car on the way and that was very unpleasant.
Related: 20+ Women Share What they Wish they Knew about Labor and Delivery
Were there any complications with your delivery?
Not at all. It was a textbook experience.
Give us the stats!!
Born 12:30pm, 22 inches, 8lbs15oz, male
What was the hardest thing about the first few weeks of motherhood?
Personally it was wanting to go out together. I really was full of energy and was happy to wear him in a wrap all the time. I didn’t want to expose him to unnecessary dangers though. He had a bit of jaundice though which required us to keep going back to the pediatrician to check bilirubin levels. That really freaked out my husband who had been pretty laid back the entire pregnancy. Having to calm my husband down was something I was not expecting.
What is the best advice you received as a new mom?
To take a course on brain development and movement BEFORE the baby was born. We took the same class my mother did from the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential. It was an incredible experience and really opened our eyes to how much we could be doing with our son from day one to support his brain development. The exercises and activities they lay out really helped structure our days and fill us with purpose and excitement as we adjusted to having a new baby.
What is your best advice for expectant or new moms?
Take that course! Everyone gives the same advice about feeding or sleeping or self care or whatever. Yes of course those things are important but people always prepare for birth and then forget to prepare for life afterwards. Get that baby out of the car seat, out of the stroller and get moving! That’s what the IAHP course is all about. Besides that, I’d say it’s perfectly fine to tell everyone you don’t want visitors for at least a few weeks. Keeping that early time quiet and private is so special. There is always plenty of time to introduce baby later.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey to motherhood?
I always assumed I’d be a mother but I was not someone who always dreamed of having kids. I had my first child at 32 and it took several hard years for me to decide that I was ready to change the pace of my career as an Architect. Once I got pregnant though there was no doubt in my mind it was the best decision ever. As a couple we spent a lot of time talking about our expectations, our backgrounds, our thoughts on discipline and the value of classes etc. We prepared together and coming to alignment before baby arrived was more valuable than we could ever have imagined. Being a mother has connected my heart and soul to humanity in a way that I never expected. When you’re only responsible for yourself in life it’s easy to shut out a lot of the horrible things in the world because you have no association with it. But once you’re a parent you start to feel things so much more deeply because you can imagine your child suffering. That dread makes you think about other people and all of history honestly, in a completely different way. Motherhood is an on-going journey. It doesn’t stop. And I’m grateful for that. Seeing my son’s personality and sense of humor emerge and seeing my husband grow into fatherhood are what I love best.
You can learn more about Somer and her work at raisingfamilies.org or check her out on Instagram at @family.life.coach.
Related:
- The Third Trimester Checklist for New Moms
- 15 Pregnancy Hacks you Need to Know
- How to Make Pre-Baby Freezer Meals
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