The Doctor Who Showed Up Every Time

I was lucky to have a smooth birthing experience. When we discovered the pregnancy while living in Ohio, we were referred to a senior OBGYN — an experienced practitioner who worked the old-fashioned way: she personally handled every check-up and committed to being present for the birth, regardless of timing.

Her most impactful advice was insisting I attend labor, birthing, and breastfeeding classes. Until then, all I'd heard was "it's natural, it'll come to you." The classes covered everything — the reproductive system, pregnancy progression, what's normal, birthing options, how to prepare, the husband's role, epidurals, labor signs, timing contractions, when to go to the hospital, and what to expect on arrival. Breastfeeding was covered equally thoroughly: its value, technique, common issues, and how to seek support.

"I would advise anyone navigating pregnancy to make sure that your choice of OB "feels" right."

When labor began on May 22nd, 2021, I felt completely calm. I understood what my body was going through — that's when the value of education truly hit me. Contractions progressed through the day; I stayed home until they were one minute apart, arrived at the hospital 4cm dilated, and opted for an epidural. By 10cm, the epidural had run out — I chose to push through without a refill. Neel was born on May 23rd, 2021, weighing 3.1kg. He had latching difficulties for the first three days, but a lactation consultant resolved it, and he went on to be exclusively breastfed for nearly two years.

What genuinely blindsided me — because nobody talks about it — was postpartum. I experienced significant postpartum anxiety, compounded by sleep deprivation and a mere 6–8 week US maternity leave. It took a long time and a great deal of support to feel like myself again. The identity shift that comes with motherhood deserves an entire conversation of its own.