I had my first baby in Switzerland and the second after moving home to Chicago. Giving birth in the US left much to be desired.

• Chantal Panozzo gave birth to her first baby abroad and the second one back home in Chicago.
• She found the level of care she received in Switzerland to be much greater than in the US.
• The US system seemed broken, and she felt fortunate not to be a first-time mother.

Perched on the edge of the exam table at my doctor's office in a Chicago suburb, I was shivering under my thin gown.

"Do you have any questions about the delivery?" My OB-GYN stepped back and readjusted her glasses.