The amazing Emily Tatosian and daughter Nola (2 months). Emily's pregnancy was unexpected and when she first talked to her daughter's father to tell him she was pregnant he said she should just get an abortion. After some time, they both decided that adoption was a better option , saw an adoption counselor and started to look for families. Emily was upset and didn't allow him to be part of the process. During the first 20 weeks of her pregnancy, Emily's close friend was also pregnant - except she was celebrating her pregnancy, enjoying it and planning to welcome her baby. Seeing her joy over planning her baby shower was the final moment she realized how sad and angry she was. At 20 weeks, she felt her daughter move and kick for the first time and she knew she was changing her mind.
Deciding to keep her baby and become a mother was a pivotal moment in Emily's life. She says she almost instantly softened and opened herself up. Her relationship with her mother had been strained and she soon found it repaired, she was also able to develop a working relationship with her daughter's father. The remainder of her pregnancy went very well and she carried Nola to 40+ weeks. Emily had hoped to have a med and intervention free labor and delivery, but from the onset of contractions they were intense and only 90 seconds apart. She requested an epidural but it didn't take and neither did the other medication they gave her to try to take the edge off. After 14 hours of labor, including 2 hours of pushing, Nola was born without complication. Emily was able to bring her skin to skin right away and begin to nurse.
Emily credits the lactation consultants in hospital for getting them off to a good start. Nola was nursing constantly with a poor latch and her milk hadn't come in but they helped improve her latch and showed her how to pump colostrum to help satisfy her baby. Motherhood has changed Emily's outlook on so many things and being part of this community has been an amazing shift in her life. She says that from the moment she knew she wanted to parent her child she dove into motherhood head on, began researching and finding her place. Those connections and bonds have helped to carry her though and she hopes that they continue as her daughter grows.