Rena got pregnant with her first child at the “perfect” time. She was turning 30, had just started a career in nursing, gotten a larger vehicle and moved into a bigger house with her partner. Additionally, many friends and family were getting pregnant and having babies at the same time!
Being a long time birth nerd, Rena originally wanted a midwife-led unmedicated birth in a birth center, but ended up choosing the route of a hospital birth with an OB. After a relatively uncomplicated pregnancy with lots of false contractions/an irritable uterus, she got induced at 40 weeks and 5 days. The induction was challenging but ultimately ended in the beautiful birth of her baby boy.
Postpartum, Rena and her baby experienced challenges with breastfeeding as baby had a tongue tie and tight muscles that led to pain, nipple damage and an infection. They were able to work through these issues with the help of a IBCLC, pediatric dentist, feeding therapist and the San Antonio La Leche Legue group.
Rena Bio
is an ICU nurse living in San Antonio with her partner and their two dogs, cat and baby boy. She has always loved learning about pregnancy and birth and would love to work in obstetrics as a nurse someday. In her free time she like indoor rock climbing, hiking/swimming with her family and traveling the US and the world!
Motif Medical
This episode was sponsored by Motif Medical. Motif designs insurance-eligible products for busy moms. With a focus on innovation and empowerment, Motif’s line of breast pumps and maternity compression garments are sophisticated, yet discreet, and made to support mothers as they navigate new motherhood. Discover why moms are reporting more milk in less time with the Luna breast pump, and see how you can get it covered through insurance at motifmedical.com/birthhour.
