As a global maternal health researcher and the leader of the nonprofit Nurturely, I unintentionally spent the past decade preparing for the moment I would become a mother. I read every book on birth and postpartum. I took — and even taught — every class. I read every “I was an OBGYN and even I didn’t know...” article written by professionals who thought they were prepared then ended up anything but.
I knew the stats, the physiology, the history.
I prepped my partner for the possibility of postpartum depression, anxiety or even psychosis.
I was ready to bleed, poop and puke.
Cognitive preparation, however, is one thing. The experience itself is another.
