Mary Katharine Ham Instagram – I was on @alisonrosen’s show again this week and had a blast, as usual. (Link in bio!) We talked about my fourth birth, which happened in January, at the same birth center as the last two. It was a tougher one than the others. ( @jennakimjones and I have a bone to pick with everyone who said we’d sneeze our 4th ones right out!) Even though it was tough— even though labor is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done— I’ve had really beautiful, positive birth experiences. If you’re thinking about how to give birth, pregnant and new to this, feeling overwhelmed, or maybe had a birth experience you didn’t love and would like to explore options, I listed a couple people to follow who offer non-judgy, supportive, data-driven thoughts on birth philosophies and recovery. @tranquilitybyhehe and @laborandlegacy both offer advice on being heard by your providers, figuring out what you want, and advocating for yourself when needed. @birthcare_and_womens_health was my wonderful practice, and I always felt heard and respected and like I was being rooted for and taken care of by women who had seen it all and knew I could handle it. I look back on my labors and deliveries with such warm feelings because of them. Also, my forever shout-out to @profemilyoster, whose rational, data-based approach to pregnancy in “Expecting Better” is, in fact, better.