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.

Pregnant women focus on getting things ready for their baby. Midwife Ruby Ristuccia recommends that it's just as important to get self-care time on the books, and shares how to make it happen once your baby arrives.