Reena’s Holding Time story reflects the highs and lows of pregnancy and early motherhood in Bradford. Diagnosed with gestational diabetes, she navigated medical restrictions and birth planning while maintaining optimism. Giving birth during the COVID pandemic added further complexity, with limited partner support and heightened stress. Despite these challenges, Reena reflects on the joys of meeting her baby and the hidden struggles that came after — feelings of inadequacy, exhaustion, and doubt about maternal instincts. Her narrative offers an honest account of the contradictions many mothers experience: joy alongside anxiety, confidence alongside fear. Reena’s voice contributes to more open conversations about maternal health and postnatal care, showing that early motherhood is as much about community and honesty as it is about celebration.
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Transcript
The pregnancy was… really grand in a sense of, I just really relished in it. Oh. Look at me, I’m changing my body… and I’m growing… It’s what we’ve wanted. I got pregnant very quickly with my first, so it was very like the stars have aligned and we were really positive, and then I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes …read more
Reena’s Poem: I am Her and She is Me
I am her and she is me.
Wife, Mum, new mum,
Yummy, mummy, Arabs, mums, Alaniz, Mum,
Food buyer, hungry, huggy.
Giver, Boo Boo.
Kisser, dinner maker,
Snot wiper, milky giver, stern
Looker, protector,
I am her and she is me.
Allow me to reintroduce myself,
Club dancer, squash player, class, teacher,
Tea drinker, movie watcher, loud singer.
Protector,
I am her and she is me.