What should have been the joyous birth of my first child was frightening, isolating, and needlessly painful.

I was completely unprepared for my first child. He was unexpected, yet not unwanted. My pregnancy was difficult: financially, physically, and emotionally. I was out of shape, my diet was poor, and I lived with my boyfriend and another roommate. His birth was equally difficult. I wasn’t informed of my options during my hospital birth, and so had a long and difficult labor during which I wasn’t allowed to make my own decisions. I felt betrayed. What should have been the joyous birth of my first child was frightening, isolating, and needlessly painful.

It took me a long time afterwards to even consider having another child. I was so scarred from my first experience. I finally found a birth center in the area that treated me with such warmth and care, and truly listened to my needs. My second pregnancy and birth felt like a breeze!

My care was wonderful, but expensive. Being in a better financial place at the time I had my second child afforded me better care. This is why access to care is so important to me. This difference between my first birth and my second was money. Everyone deserves the option to have their child in an environment that is safe, comforting, and peaceful.

Everyone deserves the option to have their child in an environment that is safe, comforting, and peaceful.

Beyond that, I know that I am done having kids. After getting health care under the Affordable Care Act, it was comforting to know that I didn’t have to worry about what birth control cost. I only had to find the option I preferred. I chose a Mirena IUD, and it is the best decision I’ve made for my health. I don’t have to worry about extra kids I cannot afford or remembering to take a pill.

After getting health care under the Affordable Care Act, it was comforting to know that I didn’t have to worry about what birth control cost.