Jessica Vernon is the author of the new book Then Comes Baby: An Honest Conversation about Birth, Postpartum, and the Complex Transition to Parenthood. She is an OB/GYN.
Q: What inspired you to write Then Comes Baby?
A: After over a decade of practicing obstetrics even I was unprepared for my transition to parenthood. If I could feel so alone and like such a failure, what about everyone else who didn’t have my background and resources? Birthing people deserve better, and I don’t want anyone else to feel the way that I did.
Q: What do you think are some of the most common perceptions and misconceptions about the birth and postpartum experiences?
A: If we prepare for birth and parenthood and do everything right, it will all go according to plan. It’s scary to acknowledge this, but so much is out of our control. Accepting this can also be healing, as it means you, and your body, are not a failure if something goes differently than you imagined.
Q: Physician Nathan Fox said of the book, “Then Comes Baby is thorough, useful, and practical. It is also extremely validating of the wide range of experiences people have with birth and parenthood.” What do you think of that description?
A: I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Fox clinically, and he is an incredible physician. He also co-authored Emily Oster’s most recent book, The Unexpected, so he understands the process of writing a book.
As a new author I still have imposter syndrome, so his review was very validating and I am so honored to have received such a wonderful review from him.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?
A: It comes down to compassion. Compassion for yourself, compassion for everyone going through this experience. I have spoken to thousands of women and witnessed thousands of births, and every story is different, but going through this intense experience connects all of us.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I am focusing on my family and my clinical work. I have been running towards the next goal, the next thing, for so long, I am just taking time to be fully present in my life every day and enjoy what comes.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I feel so lucky to be able to do work that I am passionate about, and I am grateful to be able to share all of the insight I have gained from doing this work with others and help them along their journey to parenthood. Thank you to everyone who reads and shares my book with others!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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