The beautiful Dominica Valencia and her daughter Natalia (5 months). Dominica and her husband had been married for several years before they decided they wanted to be parents. She'd had her IUD removed and they began trying but things didn't happen right away. As they neared 12 months Dominica says she began to question everything and found herself in a very dark space. She didn't understand why it wasn't happening and wondered if it she wasn't capable or it wasn't meant to be or if perhaps it meant that she and her husband shouldn't even be together. Perhaps it was a sign of something greater. Due to their inability to conceive and her periods being irregular, Dominica finally decided to schedule the well woman exam she was overdue for. She addressed her concerns with her doctor and she was willing to work with her but asked her to leave a urine sample first. She did and learned that she was actually pregnant. Her doctor was able to perform an ultrasound right away and she learned she was 6 weeks along and could already see the tiny flicker of a heart beat. Dominica was thrilled and soon found herself to be on a happy, even level she hadn't felt it quite some time. She had a healthy pregnancy and felt amazing, she even found herself thinking, "This must be what it feels like to be beautiful!". She carried her daughter to term and had plans to induce if Natalia didn't come by 41 weeks. At 40 weeks and 6 weeks she went into labor. She was able to labor at home for several hours before going to hospital where she was warmly welcomed. She knew she'd want an epidural at some point but wanted to see how far she could go without. When she was checked in she was already 80-90% effaced and 7 cms dilated and chose to go ahead with it. She says it took away the pain but she could still feel and she felt euphoric. Her daughter was earthside within 6 hours of arriving in hospital, she was able to use a mirror to watch her crown and had her immediately put to her chest for skin to skin. Dominica and Natalia have a wonderful breastfeeding relationship. She works full time so she has to pump for the work day and loves nursing her daughter for nourishment and reconnection whenever she can.