The amazing Monica Amman and Phoenix Ronald John (22 months)
Monica and her husband tried for about a year to get pregnant before finally conceiving Phoenix. They were three days out from their first appointment with a fertility specialist when Monica learned she was pregnant. Pregnancy was good for Monica until the very end when she went into the midwife with very high blood pressure. Her provider mentioned additional testing but just sent Monica home and when Monica got there she fell up her stairs right on her stomach.
At the hospital, Monica was monitored and everything looked good but Phoenix wasn't moving. She had to get up to go to the bathroom at one point, and felt a lot of fluid and blood. Once again, they had recommended additional testing but sent her home again with a plan to deliver in two days. Phoenix was breech and Monica was given the option to turn him or deliver via cesarean. Feeling uncertain with Phoenix's lack of movement and her other concerns, Monica chose to deliver via cesarean.
While delivery was seemingly uncomplicated, Monica found herself in recovery without her baby or any word as to what was going on. At one point he was brought in and she was told to feed him but he was whisked away again. Six hours later she was finally taken to NICU to see him but everything was unclear. She visited with him for a bit and returned every few hours only to find him growing sicker each time. She was told that he had an infection and needed to stay for three days, and then seven, and finally 11 days later he was able to come home. It wasn't until Monica read through his records that she learned he had pneumonia, pneumothorax, and sepsis.
Thankfully, Phoenix has been in great health since and Monica and he have maintained a wonderful breastfeeding relationship. Monica says that following her birth she had a hard time feeling like her story fit in with those around her. Her family members have larger families, simple pregnancies and births and it wasn't until she found this movement and stories all over the spectrum that she felt like she could own and celebrate her own. Monica feels empowered in sharing her journey and hopes that other mother's feel empowered to do the same.