As Weymouth resident Esther Nganga sat holding her beautiful 11-week old son, Jabari, she laughed recalling her initial skepticism of having a midwife birthing experience. “Growing up in Kenya, I always heard tales of midwives—tales of women laboring and giving birth without the option for pain intervention,” Esther said.

She’s only been taking the Aquatic Conditioning class for a few months, but Kathy Garrity says she’s already feeling stronger, more flexible and more energetic.

The way in which health systems and first responders plan for and react to disaster was changed by the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. Learn more from our team.