Bree and Jodi Symonds Libertad, Sahalie (9), and Solomon (6)
Photographed in Portland, OR
Bree shares -
"I miscarried a baby between my two living children.
I dwell on my perceived imperfections which were enhanced by my pregnancies and births. Because of my children, I aim to embrace my body by treating it well and not hiding it.
I prepared for a natural birth working with midwives at a hospital for my first birth. After 40 hours of labor including hours of pushing it was determined she was stuck with a hand by her head and a caesarean was necessary. My anesthesia was ineffective on one side of my body and I had to be put completely out for her delivery. I believe I experienced postpartum depression as a result of the trauma from this birthing experience.
When I got pregnant again and miscarried between 3 and 4 months, I naturally miscarried at home- I was by myself initially then missed days of work as the process continued. We buried the baby's remains under a tree in our yard.
I traveled to Portland in hopes of having a VBAC with my son. My water broke as it never did on its own in my first birth and I had to be driven to Portland by ambulance where the midwife team signed off on working with me due to my high risk delivery. After induction efforts failed, another caesarean surgery was arranged and I was able to stay conscious for my son's delivery. We moved into the Ronald McDonald house across from the hospital and he spent 12 days in the NICU addressing jaundice, breathing, and feeding issues.
I still mourn my unsuccessful attempts at vaginal delivery and am considering getting pregnant again with my current (same-sex) partner.
I've been inspired by the stories I have seen from this project and want to contribute to this legacy for other families and my own."