Yay! A baby squash is about ready to be born. My deck top garden got off to a late start this year, and I have been so anxious to begin harvesting our own veggies. It is also a metaphor for pregnancy, isn't it? We care for our babies by nurturing them (via ourselves) and day by day we anxiously await their arrival. If you've had a summer baby (all 3 of mine were), the heat and the discomfort of late pregnancy may tempt you to take matters into your own hands, and choose your baby's birthday for him.
But babies, like my little squash friend, need time to grow and mature. Less than 10 percent of babies actually arrive on the date they are due. That means most babies are born anywhere from three weeks before to two weeks following their expected due date. Their brains are continuing to grow and lungs are maturing. Babies born too soon are more likely to have trouble breathing on their own and have difficulty adjusting to life outside the womb. Sneaky preemies, or near term infants, can have trouble breastfeeding because of their weak suck. Which requires more assistance from lactation professionals. As I once overheard an OB tell a very pregnant women at her appointment, "Your discomfort is not a medically necessary reason to induce labor." I know she hated to hear it, but I wanted to cheer.
If you find yourself overdue, remember very soon your little one will be here. Take these last days to bond with your baby. When the baby is born he will be everybody's baby in a sense. This is your time with your baby. Don't rob yourself of that!
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