Katie Vedder (40), Mallory (4), and Benjamin (1)
Detroit, MI
Katie shares -
"I had a miscarriage between Mallory and Benjamin at 13 weeks. I was told at 9 weeks that they couldn't find a heartbeat, and I miscarried naturally when my body was ready.
I'm more confident of who I'm becoming. I've never had a strong self image but my children make me feel beautiful.
After Mallory I was a on 10 week emotional roller coaster. I cried over everything, I couldn't stop. Being home, working, even woke up crying at times. The hormones regulated and I adjusted to my new normal, a full time working mom who felt constantly on edge. I had no birth plan besides avoiding a cesarean if possible. Instead I was induced with both children and my body was never ready. A 5 day induction for my daughter and a 4 day induction for my son. Both were vaginal deliveries, epidural, with minimal pushing. I feel strong, I feel proud, I feel confident, I also feel scared.
During my first pregnancy I developed gestational diabetes. Over and over I was told that this will go away after delivery. I'm one of the few that this didn't change. Carrying a baby caused my pancreas to fail me, I am insulin dependent no matter what diet or exercise I do. I wouldn't change a thing though. The way my body sacrificed itself to allow a human(s) to grow inspires me, it doesn't define me."