On tonight's episode of MTV Tr3s' new show, Quiero Mi Baby, we meet Johanna and Manny—first time parents who are facing the biggest challenge during pregnancy.
Johanna's family is far away in Ecuador and she's dealing with a very difficult time, including developing cholestasis of pregnancy—which could put her unborn baby at serious risk. Having her husband nearby helps but what she really wants is a mother's touch.
She talks with Mamás Latinas exclusively about her pregnancy diagnosis, the very difficult delivery (including having to accept having a C-section despite her initial protests) and how life is after tonight's Quiero Mi Baby episode, which airs at 9 p.m. EST. Read the full interview with Johanna and watch the video teaser below!
Read more ¿Qué más? Maria from 'Quiero mi baby' on why she doesn't talk to her baby in English (EXCLUSIVE).
What was the hardest part of being pregnant?
I think being here by myself and having nausea and lots of headaches. I developed something called cholestasis of pregnancy and it caused complications. No family to support me and having to go through it alone. Manny was there but it's not the same as having your mom. My husband was great and helpful.
Did you have morning sickness?
Yes, a lot.
What is cholestasis of pregnancy?
It had to do with my liver function being very slow. Bile acids were building up and if it went through the placenta, it would kill my baby. My reaction was being very scared. Oh my gosh. Everybody dreams to have a perfect pregnancy. Manny and I both cried. Every night we checked the baby's heartbeat.
How did you communicate with your mom?
I was able to talk on Skype or call. Skype is nice because I can talk and hear my mom or grandma. Grandma's are great because they have all the secrets! My mom was very protective because I am an only child. She would call me every day to check in.
What was the worst part of delivering the baby?
Just finding out that I had to have a C-section. I was never in the hospital before. Never ever. I wanted a natural delivery but I was worried about my baby, stressed-out. I was put on a lot of medications.
How has everything been since childbirth and bringing your son home?
Well, at the beginning it was really, really hard. My mom came but she tells me what to do, the Ecuadorian way, and my husband tells me the American way. It's very hard at the beginning trying to figure out what to do. Now that he's older, his [the baby's] schedule is more routine. Being by myself now I have time to connect with the baby. I try to listen to the advice from both my husband and my mom and blend them together. I love being a mom.
Did you breastfeed?
Yes, but it was painful and frustrating. My baby was losing weight because he wouldn't latch. I went to the hospital and they caught me and now he knows.
How will you teach your baby about his Ecuadorian roots?
I will make sure that my mom comes to visit, I made her promise to send me music and books about Ecuador. I show it to him and explain it even though he doesn't understand right now. On Skype they [my parents] talk to the baby and the baby talks to them. My mom teaches me the food and I feed the baby only Ecuadorian food.
What was the biggest adjustment after becoming a mom?
In the beginning it was very tiring. Being used to sleeping in and doing whatever you wanted, whenever you wanted. Being a first time parent you don't expect [losing] that. Having to be ready to sleep when the baby sleeps, not being able to take a shower for two days. The baby makes it all different. They don't teach you that.
Embedded content: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8Gi4W_Zw-o
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Did you encounter any difficulties or unexpected complications during pregnancy or labor?
Image via MTV Tr3s
