|
|
|
|
Motherhood Begins at
Conception Part One of Three By Bianca Nerenberg, Ph.D., Editor’s note. This appears in the February/March issue of Oregon RTL’s newspaper, “Life in Oregon.” Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing my own tiny baby. Living inside my womb, revealed by ultrasound technology. When I first saw my baby, I was relieved to know that everything looked fine. Heart beating. Arms and legs moving. Something made this particular viewing extra-special for me. My baby was at 10 weeks gestation, the same age as the baby with the “Precious Feet” whom Dr. Russell Sacco photographed back in the 1970s. It was my own intimate look at the world of a precious little one at this age, an age when so many babies’ lives end in abortion. My baby looked calm and comfortable, fitting in so nicely to the amniotic sac, cushioned on all sides by my womb. My baby’s world seemed so serene! On the screen, this world appeared as black and white and silent. However, I know that, in reality, the baby is exposed to degrees of light and dark, various sounds, different textures to feel, and tastes to experience. I know that he or she will hear the melodies of our voices and come to recognize each of us in the family even before birth. Seeing my little one, I was reminded how much my baby depends upon me to provide this beautiful, yet hidden and private world. I want to say to all
pregnant mothers, “Whether your pregnancy was expected or
unexpected, whether your pregnancy is wanted or unwanted, it
doesn’t change the biological fact that your baby needs you
right now! Just as a baby’s life begins at conception, likewise,
motherhood begins at conception. Let us celebrate motherhood and
marvel at how perfectly our bodies provide a nurturing
environment for our tiny children to grow and develop. |