Heather Van Diest (39 - she/her), Evangeline (7.5) and Eleanor (17 mo). You can view Heather’s first photo and story from 2018 here.
Austin, TX
I experienced a miscarriage in June of 2016. That was the start of my secondary infertility journey. After another year of trying I knew something wasn't right. I advocated for myself and I got in with a fertility doctor fairly quickly. She identified a large uterine fibroid and performed a meticulous surgery to remove it while preserving as much uterine tissue as possible. I was pregnant the very next month.
How has parenthood impacted your body image?
Like many gestational parents, I struggle with how different my body is compared to before. Especially with all the stretch marks and loose tummy skin this time around. But then I remind myself that all I wanted was this rainbow baby. I remember how hard I fought and cried and hoped - and then the physical scars don't matter anymore. They are a badge of honor I am lucky to carry. I have so many friends that would give anything for these scars.
What was your postpartum experience?
Eleanor was born with less than an hour of laboring - a precipitous birth. And almost 2 years to the day of my miscarriage. The excitement and relief I felt could never be put into words. But much like with my first, the postpartum course had some bumps. I had persistent bleeding and retained placental tissue that required two D&Cs around 8 weeks and 12 weeks postpartum. I also struggled with postpartum anxiety for nearly a year. What was different this time was that I had created a 4th trimester plan. I had support people in my corner who delivered meals, came to do my laundry, took my older daughter on play dates, and gifted me a postpartum doula. I wasn't shy about asking for help or purposefully crafting my village. I knew where all the gaps were last time and I was determined not to do this alone the second time.
What is one piece of knowledge you'd pass along to your former self, or a new parent?
Ask for help. Create a written 4th trimester plan as you are thinking about your birth plan. It is just as important, if not more so.
Why did you choose to participate in this movement and share your story?
Participating in this project the first time was extremely empowering and cathartic. But when we shot the first time, I wasn't sure if our rainbow baby would actually make it earth side. I guess I want to celebrate things coming full circle and express to the universe the immense gratitude I have for this journey - every piece of it.