The radiant Rachel Humboldt with her boys Jaxon (3.5) and Jaymes (9.5 months).
Rachel's first pregnancy was unexpected but went well, her physical health was great throughout but she struggled with depression and anxiety. She was ultimately able to find a regimine that helped her to feel better though she still struggled with fluctuations and the unexpected. Rachel was feeling very uncomfortable and dealing with a lot of pressure so they made the decisions to induce the day before she was due. From the time her induction began until Jaxon was born was just 10 hours. She chose to have an epidural but was having trouble pushing so they turned it down. She had a bit of tearing and when Jaxon was born felt very overwhelmed. She was shaky from the epidural and while they wanted her to hold him right away she needed some time. Rachel was pretty certain she didn't want to breastfeed but felt pressure from the lactation specialist to give it a try. She said that is wasn't for her, she much prefers the feeling of giving her baby a bottle, knowing he's content and full and still knowing they are able to connect and bond. Rachel's second pregnancy was planned and things went well again. She had hoped to labor naturally this time and went into labor on her own two weeks early. They rushed to the hospital and Jaymes came very quickly. So quickly her husband went to take Jaxon to her family and came back to not only Jaymes earthside but Rachel all cleaned up and resting. She knew she didn't really care to breastfeed again but says the lactation specialist was more respectful so she tried again before switching to formula. Rachel says that her depression and anxiety were better managed this time and knowing what to expect made everything easier. She wants the women in her life whether they're mothers or not to be able to embrace their bodies and their beauty. She hopes that her boys grow up respecting themselves and prepared to support their partners later in life.