In 2013, the daunting statistics of maternal mortality pushed Mimi Evans to take the extraordinary step of relocating from Texas to Virginia, 1,300 miles away, to ensure a safer environment for her third childbirth. This journey, undertaken with her children and former partner, is emblematic of a personal crisis that mirrors systemic failures in the
giving birth
Childbirth is often portrayed as a singularly transformative experience for mothers, but the emotional landscape for fathers warrants equal acknowledgment. In the throes of labor, men occupy a unique space—one that necessitates strength without the ability to physically alleviate their partners’ pain. While the mother undergoes a profound metamorphosis, a silent struggle unfolds within fathers,
When expecting my first child, my ambitions were enveloped in a mix of bravado and trepidation. The moment my midwife probed about my preferred birthing method, I impulsively declared, “I don’t want an epidural.” At 37 years old and newly married, my mind was filled primarily with two thoughts: an aversion to needles and a
For over a decade, Makena, a synthetic form of progesterone, stood as the singular pharmaceutical option for the prevention of preterm birth in the United States. Approved in 2011 through the FDA’s expedited approval process, it was heralded as a breakthrough for many expectant mothers facing the specter of premature labor. However, controversy loomed large
Motherhood is a profound journey—a blend of joy, fear, and an inevitable confrontation with our own bodies. When I entered the realm of maternal bliss, I was unprepared for the emotional complexities that would unfold. The reminder of my experience is a C-section scar, a lasting imprint signifying both life and loss, beauty and struggle.
Pregnancy can feel like an emotional juggernaut, where every day brings new challenges and experiences. For many expectant mothers, the anticipation of meeting their little one intertwines with the fatigue of prolonged waits and physical discomforts. I recall a moment at a local grocery store when a cashier innocently asked me, “When are you due?”
As childbirth approaches, expectant mothers often find themselves grappling with a whirlwind of emotions and expectations. In recent years, studies have highlighted a concerning trend: many women report facing mistreatment in labor, with a 2023 CDC report indicating that 1 in 5 women feel they were not treated with respect during this crucial time. These
As the due date approaches, a pregnant person often finds themselves in a whirlwind of anticipation, excitement, and a touch of impatience. With the nursery set up and the hospital bag packed, it’s common for expectant mothers to try various methods to encourage the onset of labor. One popular, albeit unconventional, method that has gained
Life often throws curveballs that challenge our expectations and redefine our plans. Such was the case for CNN anchor Kasie Hunt, who recently became a mother for the second time in the most unconventional manner. Originally, Hunt had a carefully constructed birth plan for her baby girl, Grey Hunt Rivera, which prominently featured a scheduled
Reflecting on the birth of my son, Rye, in 2016, it feels as though the tapestry of time has woven a separate reality since then. The atmosphere was charged with hope; the nation was on the cusp of a new era, having witnessed the uplifting presidency of Barack Obama, with Hillary Clinton seemingly poised to