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I am a stay at home Mom of 3 living in Southern NH. This blog combines my love for my children, photography and cooking. Enjoy!

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Alex's story

A few months ago the Program Coordinator for the state chapter of The March of Dimes called me and asked me if I would share my story of my loss. The M.O.D. us trying to pass a bill here in NH that would serve as a public health surveillance program on birth conditions and birth defects. I was asked to tell my story to the Senate and House of Representatives but I am unable to get up to the capitol so she will read my story on my behalf. Here is what I wrote:

My name is Sarah Dxxxxx, I am married to my childhood best friend and we have 3 living children. I am a stay at home mother and live in Dxxxx. In August 2005 my husband and I were excited to learn that we were pregnant again. We had a 1 year old and a 3 year old at the time and this was to be our third and final baby. At 19 weeks I had a routine ultrasound and my life forever changed at that moment. The next few days were a blur of doctors and genetic counselors. It was confirmed that our baby had a serious case of Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele type and likely would not make it to term. Sadly we did not get the miracle that we prayed so desperately for. A few days later we learned that our baby had passed away. I was admitted to the hospital and labor was induced and our son Alexander James xxxxx was stillborn one week before Christmas. We spent a few hours saying hello and goodbye all at once. Kissing my baby goodbye was the most difficult thing that I have ever done. The road to recovery was been a long journey, one that I will travel for the rest of my life. Time has lessened the pain but it will always be there. I have found comfort in reaching out to help other women who have also suffered a loss and from raising money for the March of Dimes. I am a strong supporter of their folic acid campaign and it is my hope that I can help spread their mission and spare other mothers the pain that I will forever carry in my heart. After lots of soul searching, prayer and research we decided to try for another pregnancy. I had to educate my Dr. that in cases such as mine new research indicated that 4mg of folic acid was recommended. It was a stressful and emotional pregnancy but I am thrilled to tell you that Zachary John xxxxx was born in September. We are done having children but our family will never be complete.

It was very difficult to write but it was also healing. I dutifully took my folic acid during that pregnancy but 70% of the time these birth defects can be prevented by taking folic acid. It is my sincere hope that I can help other women.

1 comment:

Melissa said...

You did a beautiful job writing that. I know how hard it was for you. Love you, Alex!