The amazing Heather Nischke with her daughter Penelope (4 months). Heather is also mom to Sam (5) and Harper (2) and has participated in the project previously - you can view her bio and photo with her boys here: http://4thtrimesterbodies.com/heather-nischke/
Since Heather joined us last Sam's adoption has been finalized and Harper is doing well. Two months after her last shoot Heather found out she was pregnant with Penelope. Her pregnancy progressed very well and she was able to avoid any of the issues that she had during her first pregnancy. Heather gave birth with midwives at a birthing center after three days of prodromal labor in what she describes as a magical experience. Within three hours of arriving and just 10 minutes after getting into the water, she felt the urge to push and in just two pushes watched Penelope emerge. Heather says she felt amazing afterwards and wanted to get up and go right away. Breastfeeding has had some complications this time around but after pumping exclusively for 22 months she is grateful to be able to nurse directly. Penelope had a tongue and lip tie that needed to be revised at 9 weeks but otherwise thing have been going well. Heather was at a space previously where she was struggling with her birth experience and is happy to have had such a beautiful pregnancy and birth this time. She wants to remind other women and mothers that being educated, advocating for and truly believing in yourself can greatly impact your experience.