The lovely Katrina Chin Loy with her daughter Noelani Grace Catherine (12 weeks).
Katrina and her husband are both doctors in residency and they are currently living across the country from one another. They weren't actively trying to conceive but weren't avoiding it either, so Noelani was a bit of a pleasant surprise. She had a very healthy pregnancy and was able work right up until the day she gave birth. She went into labor right on her due date and called her husband to go ahead to fly in from California for the birth. She was able to labor at home with the assistance of her doula, mother and sister and contractions continued with regularity. They eventually got to the hospital which just so happened to coincide with her husband's lay over. When they checked her she was already crowning and she was able to deliver her daughter without complication while her husband watched on Facetime within 20 minutes of arrival. Katrina had such a wonderful pregnancy and birth, she didn't anticipate the postpartum period to be so difficult. She was incredibly sore and exhausted for about the first three weeks. Breastfeeding was a challenge at first but at about 5 weeks they hit their stride and have been doing well every since. Katrina, her husband and Noelani were able to spend her first few weeks together until she went back to work at 7 weeks. Katrina's father was able to come live with her so he can take care of Noelani while she works and it's been wonderful to have support while she and her husband are living apart. She has just over a year left in her residency before they'll be able to live as a family while her husband finishes his training. Katrina feels more comfortable and confident in her skin now than she ever has and wants to draw awareness to the importance of education and support in the 4th Trimester.