Delivery and Recovery

As a first-time mom, I expected to feel joy—but instead, I felt fear. From dodging bath time to grieving unmet expectations, I’m learning that motherhood isn’t about perfection—it’s about grace, growth, and doing the best we can with shaky hands and full hearts.

C-section recovery was nothing like I expected. Between the physical pain, hormone crashes, and trying to navigate a new family dynamic, Jose and I had to relearn how to communicate and show up for each other. Here’s what helped us—and what we’re still learning.

They say a C-section is the “easy way out.” I wish that were true. From unexpected surgery to painful recovery and emotional grief—this is what it really felt like.

After hours of Pitocin and no progress, I had to make a decision that shifted everything. This is the story of how I delivered my daughter via C-section—full of fear, strength, and love.

Calm on the outside, spiraling inside. A late-night Uber to the hospital led to a whirlwind of vitals, monitors, needles, and the terrifying realization: I might actually leave with a baby in my arms. Part 3 of my birth story takes you inside the moment labor truly began—complete with sarcasm, sidebars, and a whole lot of heart.

I thought I had more time. But when the fruit didn’t make her move, and the water didn’t wake her, I knew something was off. Then came the blood pressure spike—and the call to Labor & Delivery. This was the moment my calm turned into crisis.

I went in for a routine baby checkup, ready for cute sonogram pics and a stress-free day. Instead? Surprise contractions, high blood pressure, and an overnight stay. Apparently, my body RSVP’d to labor early—and forgot to tell me.