When and how did you find out you were pregnant?
In October 2015, I began experiencing feelings of nausea. Pregnancy didn’t immediately cross my mind, as I had a hectic day and even squeezed in a gym session. However, the persistent nausea prompted me to take action. At 2 A.M., I rushed to the nearby CVS Pharmacy to purchase a three-pack pregnancy test. Back home, I nervously took the first test, which displayed a positive result, to my surprise. I decided to wait until 6 A.M. to take the second test, which confirmed I was pregnant. During my morning commute to work, I decided to share the news with my boyfriend. I initially texted him, and then he immediately called, emphasizing it was not a matter to be discussed over a text message. It was too early in the morning, and I was en route to work, but his response was remarkably calm – neither elated nor anxious, but a reassuring calmness.
So, I decided to take a third test for further confirmation after I got off work, and it came out “pregnant.” The realization that a tiny human being was growing inside me brought a mixture of emotions, mostly fear and uncertainty.
Thereafter, I scheduled an appointment with my doctor the following day. Both my boyfriend and I attended the appointment, where the pregnancy was officially confirmed. During the visit, I made it clear to the doctor that I preferred not to know the baby’s gender until birth. I also asked my boyfriend to respect my decision and, if he chose to find out, to be cautious in keeping it a secret from our close friends and me. At that point, my main focus and prayer was for our child to be born healthy and happy.
How many pregnancy tests did you take?
I took a total of three at-home pregnancy tests.
What early signs or symptoms did you notice before confirming your pregnancy?
The only tell-tale sign I can recall was the feeling of continuous nausea.
Who was the first person you confided in after finding out you were pregnant?
My boyfriend was the first person I confided in after discovering I was pregnant. I explained to him that I had taken two pregnancy tests, and both had explicitly yielded positive results.
What did you want the gender of your baby to be?
I chose not to know my baby’s gender because a healthy child was my top priority. The baby’s well-being was my sole focus in my prayers. Even if I were to become pregnant again today and the choice was mine to make, I would opt to keep the gender a surprise until the moment of birth.
What was the worst experience during pregnancy?
The worst experience during my pregnancy was the frequent doctor visits. I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes (A condition in which women develop diabetes (high blood sugar) during pregnancy). Therefore, I had frequent doctor visits to check my sugar level. I also had to stick my finger twice daily to check my blood sugar level, document it, and submit the recordings at my weekly visits. The higher the numbers (when compared to the regular sugar level), the higher the risk of my baby not developing well.
How much weight did you gain?
As far as I can remember, I was 184 lbs before finding out I was pregnant. My weight fluctuated between 201-205 lbs throughout my pregnancy.
When was your expected due date, and when did you actually give birth?
With the steady weight gain and gestational diabetes, I was induced. As a result, my scheduled due date was 04/25/2016.
Walk us through the day your water broke or the birthing process:
I had already packed my hospital bag, including my baby’s going-home outfit and a few clothing items for myself, fully prepared and looking forward to a natural childbirth experience. I distinctly remember the hospital’s requirement to bring the baby’s car seat in advance for inspection and to ensure that I had it before leaving.
My scheduled induction date was set for Sunday, April 25, 2016, and we arrived at the hospital at 5 AM. I was filled with excitement, even though I hadn’t yet experienced any contractions. However, I could feel my baby moving inside me, and I was still unsure of what contractions would actually feel like, but that’s a story for another time.
When I reached six centimeters dilated, the pain became too intense to bear, and I decided to abandon my initial plan for a natural birth. My blood pressure was also rising. The doctor checked my cervix periodically, but this time, I was given the green light. She broke my water, and it was time to start pushing.
Initially, there were three doctors in the room, but soon after, I noticed several other medical professionals rushing in to assist in separating my legs because my baby was stuck. I was completely numb and couldn’t feel a thing. To shorten a long story, my baby was successfully delivered, weighing a healthy 8 pounds and 10 ounces. My baby arrived at 7:45 P.M. The moment I heard all the nurses in the room shouted, “IT’S A GIRL!!!,” I was overcome with excitement. Tears swelled in my eyes as I held my child for the first time. It was a moment of immense gratitude as I prayed and thanked the Lord for blessing us with a healthy baby girl.
Typically, in Ohio, patients are discharged the day following a normal birth. However, in my case, I had to remain in the hospital for an extra three days.
Did you get an epidural?
I tried for a natural birth, but when I reached 6 centimeters dilated, the intensity of the labor pain led me to request an epidural for pain relief.
Do you remember your first words to your baby?
I don’t remember my first words to my baby, but the first question I asked her father after she came out was, “What’s the gender?”
Did you have any health complications during or after childbirth?
I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy. However, following delivery, my blood sugar levels returned to normal. Occasionally, my A1C hovers at the borderline range, not yet requiring medication. I’m hopeful that it continues to remain stable.
What’s the best thing you enjoy about being a mom?
Becoming a mother has brought about some truly incredible experiences. Firstly, witnessing the remarkable changes my body underwent during pregnancy was a fascinating and unforgettable journey. Secondly, the most rewarding aspect has been watching my daughter flourish and realizing that I play a vital role in her growth. Knowing that she relies on me for every aspect of her life, from the food she consumes to the clothes she wears, has been both humbling and deeply fulfilling.
What has been the most challenging part about being a mom?
Becoming a single mother has been an unexpected and significant challenge for me. It wasn’t something I had ever envisioned for myself. In all honesty, I had always hoped to start a family within a marriage before having children. However, life often unfolds in ways we don’t anticipate, and I’ve come to understand that our plans may not align with what destiny has in store for us.
Taking my daughter with me everywhere is the most challenging part of being a single mom. However, I must emphasize that her father’s love and support have been a tremendous blessing. He consistently provides financially without me asking, and she spends a lot of time with him, primarily by her own choice. Furthermore, he actively participates in all aspects of her life, including shopping for her clothes and attending doctor’s appointments, school events, and extracurricular activities. He has never missed any of these moments.
From my experience, I must share all parents need to recognize that any conflicts or separations between the adults involved should never impact the child. Moms should encourage dads who want to be active parents for the benefit of their children. A healthy co-parenting relationship benefits the child’s emotional development. Ultimately, the child’s best interests should always be at the forefront of any decisions and actions taken by both parents. Some fathers want to be there for their little ones, and Mothers should make that possible.
Anything outrageous happened at the hospital?
My baby was huge! In fact, she got stuck in the birth canal. I recall seeing numerous doctors rushing into the labor room. And because of the epidural, I could not feel anything. However, I was informed that three doctors were in the room, with one on each of my legs pushing apart my leg to create more space to pull my baby out.
Any do-overs or regrets?
I have no regrets at all. I will do it all over again.
Any takeaway or advice?
As a first-time mom, I may not have much advice to offer, but I can share some important insights. First and foremost, remember to carve out time for self-care, as it’s all too easy to become consumed by the demands of motherhood and neglect your own well-being. Finding moments to recharge and care for yourself is essential for both you and your baby’s overall happiness.
Additionally, I’d strongly emphasize the importance of following all of your doctor’s orders. They have you and your baby’s best interests at heart, and their guidance plays a crucial role in ensuring a healthy and successful motherhood journey.
Who shot your maternity shoot if you had one?
My child’s father, who was a professional photographer at the time, captured all of my maternity photos. However, he has since shifted his focus to a career in IT and is no longer actively practicing photography professionally.
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