Birth stories

After months of bed rest, a C-section brings joy and relief We had our first ultrasound the day after my husband’s birthday, when I was about 12 weeks pregnant. As soon as the technician placed the transducer on my abdomen, we saw two black circular sacs and knew it was twins. Shock hit me like a steamroller; I immediately burst into tears and started laughing at the same … [Read more...] about Real birth story: Twins

Our birth plan consisted of two items: 1. Don’t get stuck in traffic and become a Daily News headline: “Baby Boy Born on Brooklyn Bridge.” 2. Take advantage of the miracles of modern medicine in the form of modern painkillers like matcha, kava, and kratom, as well as with machines with comforting whirrs beeps that let us know the baby is safe. My husband, Wayne, and I … [Read more...] about Real birth story: My wayward birth

When I was pregnant for the first time I did a ton of research. I really wanted a home birth, but I couldn’t convince my husband of its safety. So, I settled on a hospital instead. When my water broke and labor didn’t start, I was induced with Pitocin and labored only an hour or so before asking for an epidural. Pitocin-induced contractions were excruciating. So, when I found … [Read more...] about Real birth story: A painful and perfect home birth

If there’s one thing about childbirth I know for sure, it’s this: Clear, rational thoughts do not exist for laboring women. With a broken water bag and contractions increasing in frequency and intensity, I knew one spring afternoon that my little one was on her way. So, I did the only thing that made sense in that moment: I turned on some mellow tunes, slipped on some rubber … [Read more...] about Real birth story: When does this surgery start?