Emily Lees: Why I’ve (mostly) enjoyed my farming pregnancy
Emily Lees and husband © Emily Lees By the time this article reaches you, not only will I be free from the confines of spring calving (only two cows left), but I may have “calved” myself, as my husband and I are expecting our first child (excepting the dog) sometime this month.
Being pregnant on the farm has been a humbling experience – from finding my morning sickness triggers (silage and duck poo), to appreciating the danger we can be in, even just from handling the cattle.
I have had to realise my limitations, and dare I say, ask for help! But it has also been immensely rewarding. Being active and practical on the farm has given me a solid purpose other than being pregnant.
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Sure, I’ve had the odd moan about back pain, but the farm must carry on, and having the drive to get up and go has been vital.
Continuing with essential work, including making our first cut of silage at 39 weeks pregnant, has cheered me to recognise my own strength and capacity, both mentally and physically.
Watching our suckler herd calve this spring has also been inspiring.
Aside from the jokes that we will bed down a barn with fresh straw when our time comes, it’s an insight into the reality of birthing.
The cows have this amazing natural calmness.
Their impulse to find a corner of the barn, keep themselves safe and get on with labour gives this sense of resilience and strength which I can only hope to replicate (the fortitude, not the location).
As we reach our final weeks, days and hours, I look back on my happy farming pregnancy experience – obviously forgetting the laborious task of hauling myself up tractor steps, and finding it difficult to shove my cankles (fat ankles) into wellies.
I have so much to look forward to: wearing my own boilersuit, bending down to open padlocks, even being in the clamp without retching.
But best of all, we get to introduce our baby to farming life. Now, a question for you all… at what age can they start being helpful? Asking for a friend.
