97: Conversations with Elizabeth Tuazon: Pregnancy and Embracing Discomfort

Elizabeth is rewriting the Mot(her) Code to find her own path in the birthing process. She grew up with the narrative “go for the epidural” and use whatever technology is available to avoid the pain. However, confronted with her pregnancy, she is now asking more questions. Having visited a birthing center, she encountered the philosophy that women are stronger and more resilient than they have been led to believe. This statement was a revelation. It rang true to her and she knew she wanted to be a part of that mindset. Consequently, she plans on taking as little intervention as possible during birth. In general, she wants to rewrite the code that pregnancy and birth is something to overcome: as if it’s a burden or like a bad diagnosis. 

To Elizabeth, rewriting the Mot(her) means redefining, rediscovering, and writing her own definition of what it means to be a woman and a feminine presence in the world today. She’s looking at things with love (even critical love) while discovering what she would like to create while asking what it is that she is hungry to express, to become. 

Elizabeth ends the podcast episode with a beautiful lyrical performance. 

“I’ve always thought that women were the source of all creation.” 

Show highlights

• There are more birthing options available than women have been led to believe
• Pregnancy is viewed as a “problem” or “diagnosis” by the medical profession instead of viewing it as a positive choice
• The importance of making decisions for oneself
• The concept of the fourth trimester and envisioning a birthing and newborn baby phase that resonates with you 
• Breastfeeding and everyone’s unsolicited opinion, for better or worse.
• The idea that a good mother “just knows how to do this”

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about the 2024 Spring Equinox Self-Mothering Retreat at https://www.drgertrudelyons.com/spring-equinox-24