Our family recently celebrated our baby boy’s 1st birthday. This magical year has been filled with so many firsts (smiles, giggles, rolling over, crawls, solid foods, first steps). It also marked one year since I suffered a traumatic post birth episode. I had what my doctor described a "boring pregnancy." Nothing out of the ordinary; just routine and smooth. On June 10 last year, the delivery and post birth experience were everything but boring. Bryson’s initial moments in this world were terrifying. He wasn't breathing, the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck twice, and a huddle of maternity nurses were needed to get him breathing and crying. To my husband and I, it felt like an eternity. Once stabilized, he was placed on my chest. The greatest feeling of relief and joy for us both.
Moments later, my health started to decline. What went from pure relief and joy turned into instant panic and pain. A code had to be called as I was suffering, what was later determined to be, an amniotic fluid embolism. I thought I was having a heart attack. And I truly thought that I wasn't going to survive. Make it past the hour. Make it home with our sweet new baby boy. With my husband, my rock. Or home to see our first son Emmett, who I was missing terribly. But I somehow made it.
I had every test you could imagine and was seen by every specialist in the hospital. The immediate care and support I received and the amazing nurses that cared for me and Bryson while in the labor and delivery room and NICU were incredible. My amazing doctor, Dr. Magidina, I owe my life. Her expert actions, along with the specialists that cared for me, are why I am still here. We are so incredibly grateful for all of them. And, to have just celebrated our little one’s 1st birthday. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! XO