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.

ariana

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Unwatermarked photography by Isamofoto

2 Comments

  • robin

    Wow! You have gone through a lot, and yes you are SO strong. I’m praying blessings and health for you and your family, and for favor in the process of moving to the US.

  • ashley Friesen

    This is the one that inspired me my own strong. “I’m strong because I’m a special needs NICU mom.” thank you for having the strength to share your story and letting us all see the strength from within. (;

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