Giving birth is an experience that crosses every culture. It is universal and also deeply personal. We have months to prepare for it and imagine what it will be like — and then are often surprised by the time and place and circumstances surrounding birth. Every culture has its expectations and traditions of how birth will happen, who will be present and how we will feel. And every birth has its unique story, with its joys and disappointments.
PRI's The World has been exploring pregnancy and childbirth around the world in our series, The Ninth Month. Now, we are asking you to think back to the moment you first saw your child, whether it was months ago or decades ago, and share your birth story. Did you have a good experience giving birth? Was it what you expected? Who was with you? What surprised you, disappointed you or happened the way you imagined?
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