A Story I’ve Never Shared

In an instant—everything changed.
 

I was newly married and went for an annual check up with the OBGYN when I was told that getting pregnant wouldn’t be my problem, but carrying a baby to term may be difficult. The longer we waited to start a family, the more difficult that would be.

I cried to my husband.

I cried to my mother.

And when she called me the next day offering to move in and be our granny-nanny until Greg finished residency so I could continue to work and support us, I realized we could have the family I’ve wanted. It was certainly faster than I had hoped for, but had I not known that it may be difficult for me to carry a baby, we probably would have taken our time and my first pregnancy would have confirmed a diagnosis of incompetent cervix with a miscarriage or early termed pregnancy.

Being in health care, I knew enough to do research and ask questions. I knew I should proceed with caution.

Because of this, my OBGYN began my pregnancy with a MFM (maternal fetal medicine) specialist on board.

I had weekly cervical measurements, weekly progesterone injections, and close monitoring. When I reached the limit of cervical measurement that was considered dangerous of early delivery, I was put on bed rest. For 4 months I was only able to get up for doctor appointments, to microwave or cook anything that took about 5 minutes, and to quickly shower a few times a day. Charlie (our Sheltie) and I took to the couch to watch a whole lot of TV and worry about how long I could keep my baby girl where she needed to be.

With each passing milestone of now she could survive in the NICU, now she would have lungs developed(and a steroid shot given to help), now she could be born and brought home soon after, I gained more confidence that Madelyn was going to be born healthy and ready to thrive. At 36 weeks and 6 days, just one day shy of full term, Madelyn Helen Byrd was born via c-section weighing in at 7lbs 7oz and 21” long. That was a pretty big preemie if you asked me.

Because she was technically premature, the hospital ran a series of tests to make sure we could take her home. She passed all with flying colors and we left together a few days later.

Now, Mady is 14. She’s 5’10” (towering over me) and had no developmental delays. She was always in the 98% of height and weight, has excelled academically, and she became the best big sister when Abigail finished out our family (I will share her story another time.)

Had I not had the knowledge to advocate for my health and my baby, Madelyn may not be here. She may have been born early with severe developmental delays.

My husband and I had the resources and health insurance to have the best care in Portland for this pregnancy.

I know that not every woman is afforded the same care. I also know that having our education and background made it easier for us to have conversations with care providers. For many, there is so much fear wrapped up in a diagnosis or not understanding what is happening inside her body.

As I have seen the difference in my own care having an advocate who understands and can weed through all the information out there, I want to be that advocate for my clients. Making sense of research, what’s making headlines, and what the latest influencer is spouting can be a full time job… so I make it mine for all of you.