The amazing Chrysta Anzaldo, Xander Eli (4) and Mavryck Hunter (7 months).
Chrysta and her husband have been together since highschool and very much planned when they would have children. Xander's conception was straight forward and everything during his pregnancy went just as they'd hoped and planned. Her labor and delivery however, were anything but. Chrysta labored in hospital but didn't feel supported and ultimately felt pressured into delivering via an emergency cesarean. Her recovery was incredible difficult both physically and emotionally and she struggled to bond with her baby. With this experience behind her, she knew that she wanted to do things much differently the next time.
Chrysta was hopeful for a VBAC with her second and had a very supportive team. She had a healthy pregnancy with Mavryck and labored at home successfully. She transferred to the hospital and was only there for about 20 minutes before her baby arrived without any intervention or medication. Chrysta says that she needed this birth and has loved experience both sides of the spectrum. She doesn't regret her first experience either because she knows that both have allowed her to grow and become the mother that she is today.
Breastfeeding has gone well with both of her boys. She was determined with Xander and continued nursing him until about 15 months and Mavryck is still nursing today.
Chrysta says that she wasn't raised to fully appreciate and respect herself as a woman and in becoming a mother she's been able to cultivate that herself. She very much wanted to documented this moment in time now that she's come into her own.