Many know the term Rainbow Baby. It is a baby born after a loss. It is beauty after a turbulent storm and is a symbol of hope and healing. Many may not know that the Origami Swan symbolizes that you will or have received the desires of your heart.
Through my loses and photography, I have met many brave and strong mothers and fathers, which has inspired me to do a personal project in hopes to empower women to speak up and know they are not alone. I am so excited to share with you today one mothers journey through loss.
A Story of Heart Ache and Healing: From Jenny
Jason & I have been together for 16 years and married 12. We met our senior year of high school. Shortly after we were married in 2007 we started trying for babies. I knew with me having PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) it would not be easy but I had no clue what the next 11 years would have in store for us.
After years of oral medication and surgeries, nothing worked so we had to move on to fertility treatments. In October 2015 after our 1st IUI treatment I had a positive test followed by blood work determined I had an ectopic pregnancy. Sad as we were, there was hope that I could at least get pregnant.
Fast forward to spring 2016 we started treatments back up and got pregnant on our 3rd try. At 16 weeks we found out we were having a boy and we named him Carter. This was the happiest day of our lives. Four days later, my water broke with no warning and we lost our little boy. Devastated was an understatement. With no reason explaining why this had happened, we were determined to continue.
In spring 2017 we got pregnant again after our 2nd treatment. We were very optimistic and hopeful. However, at 18 weeks my cervix started thinning and I had an emergency cerclage placed. After 3 weeks of bedrest my water broke once again. I spent another week in the hospital and at 22 weeks we lost our second baby boy, Colton. I almost lost my life due to sepsis from my water being broken for so long. During this time, I was diagnosed with an incompetent cervix and the only way to carry a child was a rare procedure called an abdominal cerclage.
December 2017 I drove to Indianapolis to have an abdominal cerclage placed, and in the spring of 2018 our last and final try to be parents worked. We were having another baby boy! My pregnancy was flawless. I had weekly injections and bi-weekly ultrasounds. And on November 23rd 2018, we had our rainbow baby: Easton Lee Asher at 9am. He was 9 pounds & 2 oz of pure perfection. We are truly blessed with this miracle.
Next week: Stephanie