The wonderful Kayleigh Elliot with her son Layton (19 mo). Kayleigh wasn't sure she wanted children until she knew she wanted children. She was fortunate to conceive without any issue and got pregnant on the first try both times. Her pregnancy with Layton was very healthy until the end when she developed PUPPS and the very itchy rash that comes along with it. She had an elective induction to help it go away but ended up having the rash for 7 more weeks. She had hoped to have a medication free delivery but ended up trying Nubain which made her too sleepy and then an epidural so she could be aware enough to push Layton out. Kayleigh breast fed Layton and things were going very well. She returned to work at 5 weeks and continued to pump but started to see her supply diminish. She tried everything to up her production and was successful. A couple months later she started feeling poorly. After a few days at home she went to urgent care and was told she had a UTI even though she had no symptoms. She continued to get sicker and her husband ultimately took her to the ER where she was diagnosed with meningitis. Kayleigh had to spend several days in the hospital and because of the medications she was on her son could not nurse or be with her. Her body was working so hard to keep her alive her she stopped producing milk. Kayleigh has fully recovered but still has a very difficult time with the fact that she couldn't continue to breastfeed.
This pregnancy has been a little more challenging than the last. She had a subchorionic hemorrhage in her first trimester and was told she had a threatened miscarriage. She continued to bleed through her first trimester and while the baby is doing very well she's had to stop working early. Kayleigh is hoping to attempt an unmedicated delivery and uncomplicated breastfeeding experience this time. Through her struggles Kayleigh was introduced to a welcoming and supportive community of women and mothers who helped her through some of her hardest times. She is excited to share her story within that community and know that it will speak to someone else and continue the community of support.