Birth Story: How a Calm Pregnancy and Supportive Team Led to Empowered Choices with Emily Silver

·1 hr 7 min·5 clips

Emily describes how pregnancy hormones made her unusually calm, surprising her husband who joked she should 'bottle this hormone up.'

Host Deb Flashenberg introduces Emily Silver, a 34-year-old kindergarten teacher and former Prenatal Yoga Center student. Emily begins by describing how early pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone, created an unusual sense of calm that contrasted with her normally intense personality. She had experienced a chemical pregnancy before conceiving her daughter Teddy, which caused initial anxiety. Emily prioritized self-care through prenatal yoga and balanced nutrition without becoming obsessive. She carefully selected her birth team, choosing a doula through the Boober app after rejecting one who was too 'bombastic,' and finding an OB-GYN at Mount Sinai East based on low C-section rates. Her doctor, Dr. Adler, provided direct answers and personal attention. Emily's labor began the day before her due date after a busy day of errands. She used a TENS machine for pain management at home but had to remove it at the hospital. After an epidural, she slept for nearly 24 hours and vomited repeatedly. She pushed for five hours while her daughter was sunny-side up, grinding on her pelvis. When doctors suggested an episiotomy and forceps, Emily was uncomfortable and ultimately accepted a C-section. During surgery, she fell asleep and felt embarrassed when barely able to hold her newborn. In recovery, she was diagnosed with preeclampsia and required magnesium treatment. Emily stayed in the hospital for four nights, appreciating nurse support while struggling with swelling and discomfort. She reflects on maintaining her identity postpartum by wearing high heels and lipstick early on, while also joining new mom groups. Emily concludes by sharing her doula's advice to have 'something to look forward to every single day.'

As heard by us

Emily Silver's candid birth story reflects how the right support helped her feel respected, heard, and steady through a challenging experience.

Emily Silver's birth story centers on the choices, discomforts, and steady support that carried her through pregnancy, labor, pushing, and postpartum.

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Why you'd press play

Press play for a birth story where a pedicure, TJ Maxx, and a carefully chosen support team all matter.

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