THIRD TRIMESTER

Month 6

I left you all at week 23 of my pregnancy, and now, when I look back, I wish I could be in so much comfort and bliss! Month 6 was amazing.

In January, my husband and I went to Mexico, and although I couldn’t enjoy the benefits of an all-inclusive bar, I ate my weight in food! It was challenging to find activities permitted for pregnant people: most of the bigger organizations that ran activities had a blanket “No Pregnant Women Allowed” on all tours. Even though I was fit and active, there were no exceptions. So I reached out to smaller organizations and managed to do a number of activities while we were in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This included some fun trips to the desert and trying our hands at cactus farming, as well as getting out of the touristy big city and exploring some smaller villages. My absolute favourite was when I found a provider that would let me swim with whale sharks—yes, the giant, endangered gentle giants of the sea. I’m not going to lie; it was tough. You need to be a good swimmer, and coming from Australia, that is a must, but some from our group struggled in the choppy waters while trying to keep up with these massive, beautiful creatures. I’m still so stoked that I got to do this

while pregnant!

Right at the end of Month 6, I surprised my husband, Ryan, with his parents who had come up from Vancouver Island. It was incredible that, for months, we all managed to keep it a surprise, and it was so great seeing him lost for words and so excited to see them after Christmas in 2021.

Their trip was to come and see little Maverick (on the 3D ultrasound) at iSpy Baby 3D Ultrasound in Whitehorse. It was incredible to finally see his face, and it actually made it seem so much more real. He actually looks like a human, which is a good thing I suppose. But still, I actually realized I was going to be a mom, and that was a rather terrifying thought.

Month 7

All was going so well. I went cross-country skiing and hiking. Baby was doing great and there was nothing but blue skies and happy “unicorn rainbows” as I thought I was the most awesome pregnant person in the world.

Then week 30 came and my belly expanded. Breathing became laborious, even when doing the smallest task, and my back was in excruciating pain from being at work. I no longer had the energy to do anything like walk or cross-country ski, and slowly and surely my mental health broke away and I slipped into a huge depression.

Even though I take antidepressants (yes, even during pregnancy), I still have depressive events. They usually aren’t long and there isn’t much anyone can do about them. You just have to kind of hold on through them. But this depression was severe and lasted days. The only reason I ate was because I knew the baby needed to eat, but I had lost all joy in life and was feeling like a “meat-sack incubator” whose sole purpose for existing was to keep this baby alive. And then I felt I couldn’t do that well.

I felt that my lack of exercise, my inability to cope with my body’s changes and my poor diet of KD (Kraft Dinner) and cereal, showed that I was a terrible mother. I felt so trapped. I couldn’t just “put the baby down,” tell my husband to take care of him and then go have a beer and break at Winterlong. No, I was trapped for 10 more weeks of feeling useless and stuck. I engaged in therapy, and my medication was increased.

Slowly I came out of the depression.

After days of being bedridden, I knew I needed to at least try to go for a short walk, but of course my body had other ideas. All of a sudden I had sharp pain in my lower left hip—so excruciating that, with any movement or position, I was in constant pain. I went to the hospital, after two days of pain, and was given morphine and told that this hormone Relaxin was basically turning my ligaments to mush. So, at 31 weeks, the only way to relieve this pain was to have the baby, but the baby was not “cooked” enough yet. So all I could do was try Tylenol, a bath, stretching …

I managed to see a physio and a registered massage therapist and found that my SI joint had basically given up on me. So, in addition to a belly belt, to relieve my back pain, I now had a hip belt to put compression on this joint. I lived for a week being attached to ice packs, heat packs and multi baths, each day. I don’t even want to think about what our electric bill will look like!

Eventually I could move again, without screaming in agony, and could get out walking. Although it is still painful, the pain went from a 10 to about a five, which, to me, is liveable. cont’d on page 25 ...

At this stage I was done with pregnancy.

If you can’t guess by now, I hate pregnancy. I know that women spend thousands to get pregnant, and many find it joyous. I do not. I hate pregnancy, and even though it’s “only a few weeks away,” it’s agony getting through every day as my body seems to shut down.

I made a decision that I want my body back and that I want to bottle feed my baby. I don’t want to be latched twenty-four seven to this kid, and fail at that too. Feeling like a future “milk sack” made me feel, again, like I wasn’t going to be a good mom.

All the media tells you is that you’re supposed to breastfeed, and if you don’t, your baby is going to be dumb and sad. I was terrified to tell my husband, but when I did, he said “That’s okay. Why would you be scared to tell me that?”

I realized I had built in my head that my expectations of myself as a mother are more debilitating than reality and that I need to have a better assumption of my husband’s understanding and ability. He has come to every appointment and has been there for every complaint. He can’t wait to be a dad and wants to support me in being the best mom I can be.

Month 8

So I finally started moving around again. Breathing was still difficult and walking was improving, even with the back and hip pain. And then, at week 32, I got sharp upper-quadrant pain and a blistering headache. We went to the maternity ward and the baby was checked over. He was (and is) completely happy, but my body is making no sense to the doctors. I have quite-low blood pressure, so although high protein in urine and all of the other symptoms pointed to pre-eclampsia, I can’t have it with a low BP. So, after making sure the baby and I were fine, we went home with a BP machine to monitor my blood pressure, each day, to ensure that pre-eclampsia wasn’t developing.

Two days later, at week 33, I was working from home and rushed to answer the door. By rushed, it was probably more of a penguin waddle (but down stairs), and as I turned to go up the stairs, I collapsed. Seeing white spots and unable to move my legs, I armycrawled to the bedroom to get my phone and call my husband. I sat waiting for him, and in-between falling and his arrival, I couldn’t feel Maverick move. I was shaking him and his usual squirmy self. I was literally gasping for air from crying, begging him to move.

Ryan rushed us to the maternity ward where they put the doppler on my belly and I heard Maverick’s heartbeat. I sobbed in relief. He was alive. You could also hear the “swooshing” (meaning that he was moving). I just couldn’t feel those movements. He was okay. Of course he was okay … this kid is tough as frigging nails!

They checked me over and determined that I must have had a vasovagal syncope episode where my blood pressure dropped so low that I passed out. There’s not much you can do about that, other than to get up slowly, drink more water and take electrolytes. I’m not sure how I can increase the already two litres of water daily, and probably another two litres of other liquid intake, per day—but sure … I could try.

Now, instead of peeing 20 times a day, it’ll probably be 50.

It was a scary episode and was the first time the doctors had mentioned an earlier delivery. It was kind of met with relief to hear that “April 26” may come sooner … I just know that the longer I can keep him in there, the better it will be.

So, as much as I feel like a failure as his incubator, he’s perfectly healthy. As much as I feel like a whining complainer, my son is growing strong and healthy. I just hope I can survive however many weeks I have left until he’s out and I’m not the only one in charge of keeping him alive.

It’s hard to feel like there is anything happy to look forward to. I’m terrified for birth and terrified for postpartum. Then I’m terrified to be responsible for parenting a boy into a man.

I guess this is my new life now, always putting someone else before myself. It’s a strange feeling for someone like me who is rather selfish. My biggest fear is that I won’t like him or what might happen if he’s an asshole. Apparently, as a mother, you have to overlook these things, so I guess I gotta get through this last little part intact and hope that he can stay inside for a few more weeks! n

Pelly Crossing, Ross River, Teslin, Watson Lake.

CARCROSS

Second Sunday of Every Month St. Saviour’s Church Services 2:00 pm St. Saviour Church 867-668-3129

Mondays Light Walkers Group (OM) 5:00 PM Fire Hall meeting room 1137 Austin St.

CARMACKS

Wednesdays Toddler Time & Indoor Soccer/Learn to Play 10:00 AM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Wednesdays Teen Movie Night 7:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

Thursdays Carmacks Open Gym 5:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre

Thursdays Family Movie Night 7:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

Make It A

Fridays CTJS Floor Hockey 5:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre Kids & Youth Floor Hockey (5-7PM) and Adult Floor Hockey (7-9PM)

Department has a variety of Driver, Fairway, and Putter Discs to use. https:// bit.ly/3QIuxAs

Saturdays Drop In Pickleball 3:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre

Saturdays Laser Tag Battles 6:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre Ages 6-11

6PM, Ages 12-18 7:30 PM Sundays

Toddler Time 1:00 PM Carmacks

Recreation Centre

Mondays Drop-in Basketball 5:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre Ages 5-12 (5-7PM) and Ages 13 to adult (7-9PM)

Tuesdays Drop-in Basketball & Soccer

5:00 PM Carmacks Recreation Centre Ages 5-12 (5-7PM) and Ages 13 to adult (7-9PM)

Tuesdays Laser Tag Battles 6:00 PM

Carmacks Recreation Centre Ages 6-11

6PM, Ages 12-18 7:30 PM

Dawson City

Mondays Handbuilding Pottery Drop-in

6:30-9pm Self-guided group studio time for those who have some knowledge and experience with pottery. Newcomers are welcome, though little instruction is provided. KIAC Classroom, back door.

Tue - Thur St Paul’s Anglican Church Evening Prayer 4:00 PM St Paul’s Anglican Church Join us in person at the church, or online (Facebook Live)

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 4pm Yukon Time for Evening Prayer.

Tue - Thu Saint Mary’s Weekday Mass

5:00 PM Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Join Father Emanuel for weekday mass Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Wed Apr 5 & 12 Queer Yukon – Drop-In

11:00 AM Queer Yukon – Dawson City Wednesday drop-in offers Direct Aid and Harm Reduction services.

Wed Apr 5 & 12 Preschooler Gymnastics with Terrie Turai 4:00 PM Robert Service School Introduce your 3 and 4-year-olds to tumbling and rolling!

Thu Apr 6 & 13 55+ Free Fit 2:00 PM The Fitness Centre All you need is comfy exercise clothes and indoor only shoes! There will be a trainer on site to help with any fitness questions!

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Hatha Yoga with Blackbird 5:45 PM Minto Park Register online.

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Youth Muay Thai Classes 5:00 PM Robert Service School Register online or contact the Rec Office at: 993-7400 ext 299, or recreation@ cityofdawson.ca

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Hatha Yoga with Blackbird 5:30 PM Minto Park Register online at cityofdawson.ca

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Multi-Sport Drop In 6:00 PM Robert Service School Free program, all children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

Thu Apr 6 & 13 Drop In Volleyball 7:30 PM Robert Service School

Fri Apr 7 & 14 Queer Yukon – Drop-In 11:00 AM Queer Yukon – Dawson City Open Community Engagement hours.

Fri Apr 7 & 14 Cards & Conversation

12:30 PM Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1 Dawson City Free! Drop-In! No registration necessary. Proof of double vaccination required for anyone ages 12+. For more info email recreation@ cityofdawson.ca or call 993-7400 ext 299.

Fri Apr 7 & 14 Adult Rec & Roll 5:00 PM Robert Service School Gym Free indoor roller skating for ages 18+ Helmet required.

Fri Apr 7 & 14 Rock climbing 6:00 PM Robert Service School All Ages, all skill levels, every Friday until March 10 – free.

Sat Apr 8 & 15 Under 5 Gym Drop-In 10:00 AM Robert Service School cont’d

Sat Apr 8 & 15 Drop-In Walking Group 12:00 PM Robert Service School Open to all ages, children under 10 to be accompanied by an adult, Parents with strollers are welcome. Set distance goals to achieve or just come for exercise and socialization.

Sat Apr 8 & 15 All Ages Amateur Parkour 12:00 PM Robert Service School Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 993-7400 ext 299 for more info.

Sat Sat Apr 8 & 15 AA North Star Group Dawson City 7:00 PM Royal Canadian Legion In person or Videoconference option available Call 867-993-5095 or 867-993-3734 for more information

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Under 5 Gym Drop-In 10:00 AM Robert Service School

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Free Public Skate 3:00 PM Art & Margaret Fry Rec Centre Free public skate every Sunday until the end of the season.

Sun Apr 9 & 16 Yin Yoga 8:00 PM Art & Margaret Fry Rec Centre For a deep stretch and relaxation before bedtime Email recreation@cityofdawson.ca

Mon Apr 10 & 17 55+ Stretch & Strong

Fitness Class 2:00 PM Minto Park A 6-week strength class for Dawsonites Call 993-7400 ext 299

Mon Apr 10 & 17 Badminton & Pickleball

6:00 PM Robert Service School Open to all ages (children under 10 must be supervised).

Mon Apr 10 & 17 Adult Drop-In Basketball 7:30 PM Robert Service School Gym – Free Call 993-7400 ext 299 for more info

Mon Apr 10 & 17 Young Peoples Talking Circle 7:00 PM Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Youth Centre

Tues Apr 11 & 18 Romp & Run 10:30 AM YOOP Hall Email Jen.Suttis@cdcyukon. ca for more info.

Tues Apr 11 & 18 Preschool Learn to Skate 10:45 AM Art & Margaret Fry Rec Centre Half Hour program for stay at home preschoolers ages 3+. Email recreation@cityofdawson.ca

Tues Apr 11 & 18 Hatha Yoga 5:30 PM Minto Park Improve your posture flexibility and strength. Email recreation@ cityofdawson.ca

Tues Apr 11 & 18 English Conversation Club 7:00 PM YukonU A weekly English Conversation Club for immigrants in Dawson City.

Faro

Wednesdays & Friday’s Seniors Games & Walks 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre Walk or play cards, engage in healthy living.

Wednesdays and Fridays Seniors Yoga 2:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Wednesdays Public Skate 3:30 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Wednesdays and Fridays Basketball (Open Court) 4:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre Shoot some hoops, practice your skills on the open court. Call 994-2375 or email recreation@faroyukon.ca for more info.

Thursdays & Fridays Youth Group 7:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Fridays Volleyball 3:30 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Fridays Kids Floor Hockey 6+ 7:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Fridays Public Skate 3:30 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Fridays Junior Shooting 7:00 Faro

Recreation Centre

Saturdays Public Skate 2:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Saturdays Open Gym 3:30 PM Faro

Recreation Centre Unstructured activity time where the gymnasium is available to students, families, and/or community members to play pick-up sports. Call 9942375 or email recreation@faroyukon.ca for more info.

Saturdays Pickleball 1:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Tuesdays & Thursdays Parent & Tot 10:00 AM Faro Recreation Centre

Tuesday & Thursdays Carpet Bowling 1:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Tuesdays & Thursdays Kids Club 3:30 PM Faro Recreation Centre – Must be pre-registered, for more info call 994-2375

Tuesdays Archery 6:00 PM Faro

Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Adult Floor Hockey 7:00 PM Faro Recreation Centre

Haines Junction

Wednesdays Adult Volleyball 16+ 7:00 PM St. Elias Community School Meet in the school gym

Wednesdays Village Council meetings 7:00 PM St. Elias Convention Centre Village Council meetings are also held the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. [Remote attendance only]

Wednesdays Boxing Classes Bill Brewster Arena 5:30 PM Reach your fitness goals by joining this boxing program! Participants must complete out a waiver provided. Call 634-2012 or email dgraham@cafn.ca for more info. https:// bit.ly/3mGYALy

Thursdays Step It Up with Shelby 5:00

PM Bill Brewster Arena Cardio Aerobic

Step Class is a classic cardiovascular workout, using a 4 or 6 inch step platform.

Fridays HJL Story Time 10:00AM Haines Junction Library Registration is required but the program is still run as a drop in. There is no commitment to come each week. https://bit.ly/3KmBdBC.l

Saturdays Step It Up with Shelby 7:00 PM Bill Brewster Arena Cardio Aerobic Step Class is a classic cardiovascular workout, using a 4 or 6 inch step platform.

Mondays Public Skate Bill Brewster

Arena 9:00 AM & 2:00 PM

Mondays Step It Up with Shelby 7:00 PM Bill Brewster Arena Cardio Aerobic Step Class is a classic cardiovascular workout, using a 4 or 6 inch step platform.

Mondays Smart Recovery Meetings 8:00 PM Munku Hall Everyone welcome, call 334-5688 for more info.

Tuesdays Girls Club 6:00 PM St. Elias School Held in the art room, open to Girls and identifying as Girls from Grade 8 to 12.

Marsh Lake

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays

Jackalope Open for drinks and snacks 5:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Thursdays North of 60 Seniors

Coffee and Chat 2:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

Thursdays Shuffleboard Marsh Lake Community Centre 6:00 PM

Saturdays Knitting Circle 11:00 AM Marsh Lake Community Centre Everyone wielding a hook, needle or pin is welcome.

Saturdays Pickleball Outside Marsh Lake Community Centre 12:30 PM

Saturdays Family Playtime and Open Gym 3:00 PM Marsh Lake Community Centre

MAYO

Mon thru Fri Morning Video Workout 6:15 AM Mayo Recreation Centre

Mon, Wed & Fri Teen Workout 12:00 PM J.V Clark School

Weekdays Lunchtime Lengths 12:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre

Weekdays Mayo Mornings Parent and Tot Time 10:00 AM Mayo Recreation Centre

Mondays Art/Entrepreneur Club 3:30 J.V

Clark School Held in the Lunchroom

Mondays Video Yoga Classes 5:15 PM Mayo Curling Arena Yoga Videos are used for leading each class. Bring your own Yoga mat or borrow ours. Drop-ins are welcome. For more info call 996-2043

8979962043

Mondays Dinner and Movie Night 5:00 PM Mayo Community Hall And Recreation Centre

Mondays Yoga 5:15 PM Mayo Community Hall And Recreation Centre

Tuesdays & Thursdays Tabata Training

5:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Youth Archery 3:30 PM

MMayo Community Hall And Recreation

Centre

Tuesdays Disc Golf 7:00 PM Mayo

Recreation Centre And Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Curling 7:00 PM Mayo Recreation Centre And Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Drop-in Art Night 7:00 PM Mayo Curling Lounge If you can bring a photo that you would like to work from that would be great. No experience necessary.

Wednesdays Pottery Class 3:30 PM J.V Clark School

Wednesdays Volleyball 7:30 PM J.V Clark School Held in gym

Thursdays Elementary Soccer 3:30 PM J.V Clark School

Thursdays Teen/Adult Floor Hockey

7:30 PM J.V Clark School

Sundays St. Mary’s Church Service

11:00 AM St Mary’s Church (867)6677746

Sundays Communion Service St. Mary with St. Mark Anglican Church 11:00 AM where village members come together to worship and offer service to their community and the world.

Mount Lorne

Thursdays Parents and Tots Playtime Group 1:00 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre

Thursdays Community Drop-In 1:30 PM Mount Lorne Community Centre Play games, craft, chat walk, snacks, coffee & tea provided.

Fridays Drop-In Adult Hockey Lorne Mountain Community Centre 7:00 PM For members or non-members (for a small fee)

Mondays Drop-In Yoga Lorne Mountain Community Centre 7:00 PM By donation all levels welcome

Old Crow

Sundays St. Luke’s Church Service 11:00 AM St. Luke’s Church 867-9935381

Wednesdays Parent and Tots 4:00 PM Old Crow Community Center Call 9663015 for more info.

Wednesdays Adult Card Game Night

6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow

Community Centre

Wednesdays Stroller Walks 10:00 AM Kih Tsal

Mondays Men’s Night At The Rec Centre 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Tuesdays Kids Gym 3:00 PM John Tizya

Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Tuesdays Adult Sewing 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Tuesdays Youth Gym 6:00 PM John Tizya Centre & Old Crow Community Centre

Skagway

Wednesdays Women’s Morning Worship 7:00 AM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway All are welcome.

Part of the Alaska Presbytery and the PC U.S.A.

Wednesdays Windy Valley Babies 10:30 AM Skagway Public Library Stories, Songs, and Fun with Ms. Anna! Designed for ages 0-3.

Fridays Skagway Teen Night 6:30 PM

Skagway Public Library

Sundays Sunday School 4:00 PM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway

Sundays Sunday Worship 10:00 AM First Presbyterian Church of Skagway

TAGISH

Wednesdays Tagish Library 12:00 PM

Tagish Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon

Wednesdays Yukon Learn at Tagish

Library 1:00 PM Tagish Community LIbrary

Targeted literacy programming by Yukon

Learn at the Tagish Library. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon.

Wednesdays Intro to Yoga 4:15 PM Tagish Community Centre

Wednesdays Beginner and Intermediate

Yoga 5:45 PM Tagish Community Centre

Wednesdays Coffee And Chat 2:00 PM

Tagish Community Centre

Wednesdays Tagish Country Line

Dancing 5:30 PM Tagish Community Centre For members and non members, beginners at 5:30 PM and Intermediate at 6:30 PM Email recreation@tagishyukon.org

Thursdays Tagish Library 12:00 PM Tagish Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon

Thursdays Carpet Bowling 10:00 AM Tagish Community Centre

Thursdays Tagish Local Advisory Council Meeting Tagish Community Centre 7:00 PM .

Saturdays Tagish Library 12:00 PM

Tagish Community LIbrary Tagish Library is an active and bright addition to our community. What’s Up Yukon, discover what’s happening around the Yukon

Mondays Tagish Butt Kickers Tagish Community Centre 11:00 AM Everyone Welcome, Biking, Hiking, Skiing Snowshoeing, Kicksledding, Ping Pong, Pickleball, Dog Walking & Morer

Teslin

Wednesdays Pickleball 12:00 & 7:00 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Wednesdays Dominos 1:00 PM Teslin Recreation CentreCome out and play a game of dominos, for seniors but will play anyone!

Thursdays Group Fitness 5:30 PM Teslin

Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Youth Futsol like outdoor adventure.

Recreation Centre

PM Teslin

Tuesdays Art & S.T.E.M Afternoon 3:15 PM Teslin Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Youth Futsol Ages 8-14 5:30 PM Teslin School

Tuesdays 3D Archery 5:30 PM Teslin

Recreation Centre

Tuesdays Group Fitness 5:30 PM Teslin

Recreation Centre

Watson Lake

Daily Public Skate Watson Lake Recreation Centre 8:30-5:30 PM, Wednesdays 7:30 – 9:30 PM and Saturday 10:00 – 6:00 PM

Sundays St. John’s Church Service 10:00 AM St. John’s Church Service (867) 536-2932

Wednesdays Drop-In Ninja Tumbling 5:30 PM Watson Lake Secondary School

All ages welcome. Adults are welcome too, come to do some stretching or try some handstands etc.

Fridays Friday Night Lanes 7:00 PM Call 335-7979 to register

Saturdays Baptiste Power Yoga 7:00 PM Fees apply. A muscle-shaping and mindsculpting workout, work at your own level and ability, set to electronic music.

Sundays Sunday Nite Volleyball 11:00 AM Watson Lake Secondary School

Mondays Learn to Skate Watson Lake Recreation Centre Sign up at the Rec Centre

Tuesdays Pickleball & Badminton Watson Lake Secondary School 7:00 PM