In the week following the birth of my daughter, I faced a medical crisis that nearly cost me my life. My pregnancy had been complicated by recurring high fevers, particularly during the night, which led me to the birthing unit on multiple occasions, fearing I had contracted the flu. My greatest concern was that I would be unable to hold my newborn, should I test positive.
After multiple negative flu tests, I was induced at 39 weeks and 1 day, welcoming my daughter, Mia Taylor, into the world on January 25, 2018. I left the hospital three days later, but soon after returning home, I experienced alarming symptoms. Each night, I developed severe fevers that soared to 104.8°F, accompanied by a sensation of my body shutting down and intense skin burning. My body was swollen, and I began to experience dizziness and fainting spells.
After a week at home, a significant blood clot expelled during a shower compelled me to contact my obstetrician. Despite my instinct to dismiss the emergency, believing that managing my fever with Tylenol was sufficient, I eventually visited my OB for an evaluation. The flu was rampant at the time, and the emergency room was crowded with patients, forcing me to make an agonizing decision about leaving my newborn with my mother. I had only managed to store a small amount of breastmilk, making the choice even more challenging. Bidding farewell to Mia felt unbearable, and I was overwhelmed with anxiety.
I spent 11 hours in the ER, with my partner, Mark, by my side. I arranged for a breast pump to be sent down from the birthing unit to ensure my milk supply continued. Despite the challenges, I felt I had to keep our breastfeeding relationship intact. After extensive testing, the medical team informed me that I would need to be admitted to the hospital for further examinations, including an MRI with contrast dye.
The diagnosis was shocking: sepsis and severe pelvic clotting. My doctor indicated that had I delayed seeking treatment, the outcome could have been fatal. I was put on potent antibiotics and blood thinners, requiring daily injections in my abdomen. My hospital stay lasted a week, during which my body wrestled with fluctuating fevers and oxygen levels. Adding to the struggle was the emotional toll of the baby blues, learning to breastfeed, and managing physical pain from a severe vaginal tear.
Eventually, after a week of hospital food and discomfort, I was discharged. I had persevered through sepsis, maintained breastfeeding, and managed to recover from the blood clots that necessitated months of daily injections. Despite the challenges, I found joy in nurturing my daughter, who remained exclusively breastfed without needing a bottle since that hospital visit.
Months later, I faced lingering complications from the ordeal, including permanent damage to my veins. This condition will likely affect my ability to engage in physical activities without pain and swelling, altering my lifestyle significantly. However, despite these challenges, the past months have been filled with incredible moments. The bond I share with my daughter provides profound fulfillment, underscoring the transformative nature of motherhood.
For those interested in exploring the complexities of pregnancy and home insemination, resources like the Center for Reproductive Health can offer valuable guidance. Additionally, if you’re looking to boost fertility, consider checking out fertility supplements recommended by experts at Make a Mom.
In conclusion, the journey of motherhood is wrought with challenges, but the love and joy it brings can make every struggle worthwhile.
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