Baby v Mountain – by Sheila

What are the differences and similarities between climbing Kili and having a baby? To date, probably the most extreme physical activity I have ever been involved in is pushing out a baby – and I think that is something I have in common with very many women.  I am now a bit out of practice for that, not having done it for almost 40 years – but the two activities have much in common!

The similarities

  1. Preparation (including shopping in readiness!) takes several months.
  2. It is in your head all the time during the build up to the event, and you have to avoid obsessing about it to all in sundry.
  3. You need to abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol.
  4. During the actual climb/labour you need to use extreme mental and physical strength for a prolonged period of time – possibly for several days. The ability to “zone out” is useful.
  5. There can be a lot of weeing and vomiting involved.
  6. Having done it, you get one of the greatest emotional highs of your life and it is something you will remember for the rest of your days.

The differences:

  1. The weight goes on during pregnancy, but ideally should come off in preparation for going up Kili (unless one is already thin or a child!).
  2. You can back out at any point up to the last minute from the climb: no such choice with a baby.
  3. You need to pile all your clothes on for summiting Kili: they all need to get stripped off for giving birth.
  4. Once you have got to the top of Kili, you have to turn round and do it all again in reverse. Not an option with a baby!
  5. You get a good night’s sleep as a reward for the climb, but can’t expect to get one in the foreseeable future after having a baby.
  6. You might manage to raise money for a good cause by climbing, but birth will result in the haemorrhaging of money for the next few decades.

I am sure there are lots of other similarities and differences: any suggestions?

Will Jae look worse or better if she summits than she did after having Ivor?
Jae, seconds after having number three. Will childbirth be any preparation for Kili?

4 thoughts on “Baby v Mountain – by Sheila”

  1. Men and boys can walk up Kilamanjaro….

    You can have gas and air (laughing gas) when giving birth but only oxygen on Kili – unless you bribe the porters.

  2. I love the photo of Jae and Ivor – hope you’ve had a lovely birthday weekend Ivor!!

    I’m really enjoying this every morning: faith and atheism, farts, 4 generations up the mountain …. what’s next?!! Looking forward to tomorrow’s news! Go team Miller/Hopkins!!! Lots of love, Louise xxx

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