This episode airs with a trigger warning.

Cassie and Marissa, as a two-uterus household, made a decision familiar to many lesbian couples—they agreed that the eldest, Marissa, would be the first to carry a pregnancy. By her own account, Marissa experienced a relatively smooth and uncomplicated pregnancy. It was the labour, birth, and recovery that proved to be the most difficult and traumatic part of her transition into parenthood. Cassie was left feeling helpless through the process which was deeply distressing.

It’s important to say that today, the whole family is thriving and doing beautifully. But getting to this place has required time, healing, and the support of therapy to fully process the intensity of their early experience.

Watch this family evolve over time on Instagram: @cassie.maggiore