On Friday, July 1, at 12:59 p.m., Luna June Ciancio made her way into the world to the sound of Elton John’s Tiny Dancer — and a few grunting noises from me.
It felt like the perfect balance.
Now, little Luna — although we didn’t know she was a Luna at the time — wasn’t due to make her debut until late July. But as with most things in life, plans changed.
My blood pressure had started rising around my 32nd week of pregnancy, and if you know anything about pregnancy and blood pressure, you know that high numbers are a big red flag. So, instead of the picture-perfect, water-breaking moment I’d envisioned, we decided that an induction at 37 weeks was the safest route.
It wasn’t an easy decision. I deeply wanted a natural birth experience. But after a couple of long conversations with my doctor and our doula, I started to feel more at peace with this new, unexpected plan. The goal was simple: bring Luna safely into the world and keep my own health out of harm’s way.
A Wave of Emotion
On the way to the hospital, I looked out the window as tears rolled down my face. My throat tightened — a familiar ache I hadn’t felt in a long time.
I missed my mom. Deeply.
It felt strange to be on the verge of becoming a mother myself without my own mom here to share in the joy, offer advice, or simply hold my hand. I longed for that maternal comfort more than ever.
It was a new layer of grief — one I know I’ll encounter again and again as I move through motherhood. Still, I like to believe my mom, June, had a hand in sending us a little girl — one whose name would carry hers for years to come.
And I especially believe this since everyone thought I was having a boy — everyone except my sister, Nicole, who insisted it was a girl. She was right.
The Birth of Luna June
Once we arrived at Prentice and settled into our birthing suite, the induction began — and it was full steam ahead.
In that room were six of us: me, Anthony, our doula, Dr. Constance Adams, and our incredible nurses, Kendall and Izzy. Together, we made the best team I could have ever asked for.
Bless the hearts of nurses — my goodness, they are earth angels.
I tried to hold off on pain meds for as long as I could because I wanted to feel what childbirth felt like. That curiosity lasted about 50 minutes. Then I decided I’d felt enough and called in the epidural. Thank goddess for modern medicine.
Between the contractions, we managed a few laughs and conversations. And when it was finally time, after eight hours of labor and an hour and a half of pushing, our sweet Luna June arrived — 6 pounds, 2 ounces, and 19.2 inches of pure perfection.
It was one of the most beautiful, raw, and extraordinary experiences of my life. I loved every minute of it.
Lessons in Letting Go
Now, as I settle into motherhood — learning Luna’s cues, adjusting to sleepless nights, and navigating this brand-new rhythm — I’ve realized something important.
Having my “perfect” birth plan tossed out the window taught me one of life’s most necessary lessons:
Nothing ever goes exactly as planned.
And sometimes, that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.
You can fight the flow, or you can move with it. Because when you go with it, even the hardest moments find their way to grace.
Luna has already taught me so much. Like her name — and like the moon — we all go through phases. And right now, I’m loving this first one: the cozy, sleepy, newborn phase.
Oh, and one more thing — newborns? They are so damn cozy.
Until next time,
Lauren Massarella
This article was originally written for Hillgrove Ave Magazine.
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Extra Cozies
Extra Cozies