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Great Expectations
Written by Patti Allen
While
we might argue about which stage of life is the most important
to an individual’s growth, most would agree that the transition
that comes with pregnancy is certainly at the top of most
women’s lists.
When pregnant, the physical changes that a woman’s body
undergoes are obvious. The savvy expectant mother will usually
take great care to discontinue all unhealthy habits that may
harm the growing fetus, as well as start new health promoting
habits like vitamin supplements, proper diet and appropriate
exercise.
I wonder how many would take their dreams as seriously as their
diet?
What is not as obvious as the physical changes, are the
emotional changes that a woman undergoes during the nine months
of pregnancy. And what is even less obvious than that are the
changes to a woman’s dream life. If your body is changing, then
your emotions are going to be part of that transition. And if
your emotional state is in transition, then your dreams will
reflect those changes. It’s a sure thing…just as sure as there
is a body-mind-emotions and spirit connection. It’s just that no
one is talking about it!
During pregnancy, thanks to her hormones, a woman can expect her
dreams to practically explode in number, vividness and
intensity. And because a pregnant woman will be sleeping more,
she will have many more opportunities to catch dreams than her
non-pregnant sisters.
Her changing sense of self will be reflected in her dreams,
along with ambivalence and confusion. As well, issues of
dependency, sexuality, careers vs. motherhood, sacrifice,
relationships and fears for herself and her baby’s safety are
all played out on the screen of her nocturnal adventures in
dreamland.
According to Raina M. Paris, author of
The Mother-to-Be's Dream Book,
a pregnant woman's dreams tend to change with each trimester and
often follow a predictable pattern that reflects the progression
of the pregnancy. It is also clear that the psyche is rehearsing
and readying the new mother for her new identity and role. So by
the time she gives birth, the process of bonding has already
begun through the mother’s dream life.
As the time of birth nears, many women will dream of labour and
delivery or of actually meeting their future child. Sometimes
these dreams include information about the time of birth, the
child’s health, and even the future name. Many of these dreams
take on a very soulful, spiritual feel to them as this
information is passed on to the mother-to-be.
In
“Dreaming for Two, the Hidden
Emotional Life of Expectant Mothers”, Sindy
Greenberg, Elyse Kroll, and Hillary Grill, the authors give a
very clear and readable account of this time and what to expect
of dreams during pregnancy. One thing the authors stress is that
unusual and sometimes disturbing dreams are quite common and
that no pregnant woman should feel they are alone in their
dreaming experiences.
If you have recurring dreams, especially dreams that communicate
physical difficulties, be sure to discuss them with your
physician. You are not alone.
The transition to motherhood is an exciting time for women and
it can be enriched by an awareness of all the physical and
emotional changes from the “inside-out”. It truly is a time of
great expectations that can be viewed nightly and is better than
any television show. In fact, it’s the original reality show.
Just don’t overdo the popcorn.
Sweet dreams.
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About The Author:
Patti Allen has a rich and varied background in
the healing arts, education, and public speaking. For the past
twelve years, Patti has owned a successful private practice as a
Certified Rubenfeld Synergist (body-centred psychotherapy). She
currently serves on faculty at Seneca College and specializes in
facilitating groups, lecturing and speaking on the subject of
dreams and holistic healing. Patti frequently appeared as a
guest on the Erin Davis Show, where she taught the public to
work with their dreams. Patti is available for private dream
consultations, Rubenfeld Synergy sessions and training in
dreamwork for professional practitioners.
Email:
pattiallen@rogers.com
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