The stunning Emily Sullivan with her daughter Charlotte (2.5) and son Teague (4 months). Emily's first pregnancy was lost to miscarriage which was incredibly difficult for her. The first two months after were especially trying until she learned she had quickly conceived Charlotte. Her pregnancy with Charlotte was great and Emily says that she absolutely loved being pregnant and even entertained the idea of surrogacy because she enjoyed it so much. Her water broke 9 days early and her labor was straight forward. She progressed without intervention other than a shot of Dilaudid to take the edge off the pain and was able to push her out in about 15 minutes. Charlotte didn't latch right away but they got the hang of things and Emily continued to nurse her until she weaned at 18 months old, well into her pregnancy with Teague. Emily says that her second pregnancy and birth could not have been more different. Having a toddler at home already definitely changed things and she carried post dates this time around. Her practice had recommended inducing at 41 weeks which she was uncertain about but when her blood pressure started to rise she felt it was time. She went into the hospital and they inserted cervidil overnight to ripen her cervix and she was grateful when contractions started on their own. Still they pushed pitocin and due to issues with the fetal monitors when she moved she was confined to the bed. Due to a suspected deceleration in Teague's heart rate and wanted to inserted an internal monitor as well. Labor progressed but the pace felt much slower when it came time to push however, she was able to get him out in just 5 minutes. He latched immediately and nursing has continued to go well. Emily says that just as people and children are unique and different our pregnancy and birth experiences are as well, and they are all worthy of embrace and celebration.
dilaudid
Emily Lego
The amazing Emily Lego with her daughter Lillian (2 years 8 months). She is also 32 weeks pregnant with a son, due mid-May.
Emily had a healthy pregnancy with Lillian but was told that she had a placental abruption. It wasn't until she had a new doctor review her records with this pregnancy that she learned she had been just fine and the placental abruption hadn't happened. She delivered Lillian in hospital vaginally with the help of the pain medicine Dilaudid, She arrived 11 days before her due date and was very healthy. Emily says she felt like a super hero. She hopes to have a similar delivery this time around but also knows that the unexpected can happen. Emily has been fortunate to have the close support of her family and very much believes that it takes that village to raise a family. She wants to be part of the power and positivity that happens when women come together in support and connectivity rather than competing with one another.