I Am Strong by Ariana {Birth Without Fear}

I am strong because I lost my first baby in April 2011 when I had a miscarriage at the age of 18.

I am strong because when I lost my baby I was living in Belgium with only my boyfriend to support me.

I am strong because 2 months after losing my baby I was back in the U.S. to attend the birth of my first nephew.

I am strong because at 19 I moved back to Belgium to marry my boyfriend of 4 years.

I am strong because 1 week after I got married I found out I was pregnant again, I was terrified and overjoyed.

I am strong because I battled terrible morning sickness and lost 20 pounds in 2 months.

I am strong because half way through my pregnancy I ended up in the hospital with horrible pain and the doctor didn’t know what was wrong.

I am strong because 2 months after I left the hospital I was admitted again for the same pain. After 4 days they finally found out that I had Cholecystitis (gallstone with an infection). I spent another 5 days alone in the hospital on antibiotics.

I am strong because at 38 weeks I developed PUPPS. I was covered in scabs because it itched so bad and none of the creams helped.

I am strong because at 41 weeks I was back in the hospital due to contractions and pain from the Cholecystitis.

I am strong because after 26 hours of labor I delivered my 9 pound son on August 3, 2013 via c-section at the age of 20.

I am strong because after my c-section I developed another rash, swelling in my hands and feet, low enzymes in my liver, and anemia.

I am strong because I was too weak to hold my son or walk on my own so I was given 4 blood transfusions.

I am strong because after a week in the hospital I could finally go home with my little boy.

I am strong because only 2 weeks after my c-section I was back in the hospital for my gallbladder surgery.

I am strong because I am still living in Belgium taking care of my little family and fighting to move back to the U.S. to be with the rest of my loved ones.

Unwatermarked photography by Isamofoto