The amazing Annie Miebs, Jack (8), Dylan (6), and Tess (3).
Annie and her now husband were just three years into dating when a routine pap came back with moderate to severe cervical dysplasia. Her doctor warned her that if she wanted to have children she should try to get pregnant within the year. Annie felt a bit forced into pregnancy but she and her partner decided to go ahead and try. Thankfully, they were able to conceive right away and amazingly her paps came back negative throughout her pregnancy and after.
Labor and delivery was arduous with Jack, she labored for over 24 hours and pushed for 4 before he arrived but all went well. Annie's health had improved and while they knew they wanted more children eventually, that timeline was expedited when her pap came back moderate to severe again when Jack was two years old. Annie saw a midwife throughout this pregnancy and all went well. Once again, her paps started to come back negative and she says she barely felt like she was pregnant. Labor progressed quickly and she was able to push Dylan out with just two contractions - they had dinner and were home in bed just four hours later.
With such a wonderful pregnancy and birth experience, Annie and her husband were ready to try to have another baby right away. Pregnancy with Tess was much more difficult. Annie's dysplasia was present throughout her entire pregnancy and she was monitored to make sure it wasn't becoming cancerous. They decided to deliver at home this time but had a lot of things happen they hadn't expected with their third. While Annie was able to get her out safely, they had to call the ambulance due to Tess' heart rate dropping into the 40's.
Annie had expected that she'd need to have a hysterectomy postpartum, but at her 6 week check up her pap came back without any issue. Still she struggled with postpartum depression and uncertainty. In October, Tess had her annual pap which came back with severe dysplasia again. Her doctor walked in the room before giving her results and simply asked when they were going to schedule her surgery - it was time. Just three weeks ago, Annie had her hysterectomy and was able to keep her ovaries so that she doesn't need hormone therapy. The surgery has brought her peace and lifted a huge weight from her shoulders. She spent the better part of a decade worrying and now doesn't have to consider her cervical health anymore. She can focus on her beautiful family and her now, celebrating who they are together.