Visualizing: Truth or Fiction?

Upon learning that I was still waiting for the little one to appear, a woman from my birth class suggested that I try a technique of visualization.  I was to imagine the baby coming down the birth canal, picture my body responding to that of the little one, and then visualize myself holding this yet unseen being in my arms.

However, this wasn't as easy as it first appeared.  I am a rather literal person, and it is difficult for me to conceptualize anything with which I have no (remembered) direct experience. Birth canals fall into this category.  Frankly, when I think of birth canals, I think of narrow tunnels; and when I then try and think of the baby, I can only see its disproportionately huge head.  I think of probable pain, and then I turn my thoughts to other things.  Isn't there a shelf to dust, or some baby sheets to order?

Perhaps, then, my new friend is right; my mental block is somehow preventing the baby from taking the next step.  I wanted to do something.  And because I was having such trouble getting past this mental obstacle on my own, today I took a field trip to the local science museum that conveniently has a comprehensive exhibit on the human birth process, complete with images and short videos.  I examined each poster attentively and watched the films, and was honestly astounded (again) by the miracle involved in the whole process.  A new life formed by such a seemingly unlikely set of circumstances.  Tears welled up.  Really!

If the tears weren't embarrassing enough, I also felt a bit foolish standing next to the 11-year old students for whom this process may really have been a new concept.  I'm the size of a large beach ball; surely, I must already know how this pregnancy thing works?

Despite these concerns, I successfully exited the museum filled with the wonder of what I am about to do.  Better yet, I didn't once contemplate the potential pain.  I felt only pride at my current position in the ladder of life.  I am carrying a miracle that will emerge in days.  Perhaps literally is the only way I can think about this process - but when even the logical side holds so much power, it may not matter that creative visualization and imagination are not so easy for me.