Reflecting on First Births and Discovering New Lives: Reflections from Parents and Medical Students
Author(s): Katie Lee, Milena Forte
Description:
A first birth can be a profound and transformative moment that is remembered for life. First-time experiences tend to be remembered more vividly due to the emotional intensity associated with them. This is supported by neuroscience, which shows that experiences with emotional resonance highly activate excitatory neurons in our brain (Buchanan 2007; Caton 2023). They are subject to greater cognitive processing, which results in vivid and lasting memories (Buchanan 2007; Cohen & Faulkner 1988; Wiking 2020) In this project, we conducted narrative discussions with parents and medical students in which we reflected on their first birth experience. First-time parents reflected on the thoughts and emotions that came with pregnancy, the birth of their child, and their transition into their new role as parents. First births can also be a special moment for medical students as they provide the opportunity to witness a transformative milestone for families and consider their role in the healthcare system and their own communities. Through these narrative discussions, we have come to understand the first birth experience as a vivid interplay of four themes: anticipation, the unexpected, discovery, and identity. Through this project, we will celebrate the enchantment of firsts, acknowledge the apprehension and transitions they may bring, and ultimately recognize their significance in the collective narrative of patient and provider.