Friday, October 17, 2008

Remembering Angel & Brynna

October is Infant/Child Loss Awareness Month - so in honor of Angel and Brynna I thought I'd share their story. I know they are safe in heaven but I still miss them each and every day and it's been 6 years.

Brian and I tried for 4+ years to get pregnant. We finally did IVF and transferred 2 embryos. We were pregnant with twins. And a week later one of twins has split into identicals - we had triplets. It was overwhelming and exciting and about 11 weeks we lost one of the identicals. It was so sad but we had so much excitement regarding the other two that we put it out of our mind. At 22 weeks I went to an U/S and was excited to find out the sex of the babies. I had recently returned a rented doppler and finally felt so good about this pregnancy. But at this U/S we found out that one of the remaining twins had died. I was told that I was at risk if I didn't terminate the healthy pregnancy because of the deceased baby but I just couldn't. We had three and were left with 1 so I felt like she was destined to make it, So I was on bedrest for about 14 weeks. I had weekly appointments, U/S and non-stress tests. I developed polydramnios and basically my body seemed to think I was still pregnant with multiples. I then developed high blood pressure and was hospitalized at 34 weeks. I stayed in the hospital a week, went home a week and then came back and delivered Salem Ruth-Rhena. Her sisters are Brynna and Angel. Salem had a rough start and ended up being diagnosed with Noonan Syndrome and Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy. But she couldn't to grow and be healthy and is now a bright and healthy 6 year old without signs of the heart problem.

If you'd like to read more of their story click on this. I also posted a lot of my entire IVF journey and pregnancy and the problems Salem had after birth here.

7 comments:

Shannon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shannon said...

Thank you for posting about Brynna and Angel, Leah. It must help on some level to share their story, even 6 years later. I will follow the links you gave to read more.

My prayers are with you and all who have lost a baby.

** I deleted my original post because something didn't come across like I meant it to, sounded weird. **

Bonnie said...

((Hugs)) I too miscarried twins, and I know it's something you never really get over. And while you are grateful for Salem, I know you will always miss your babies who might have been.

the undomesticated wife said...

((hugs))

The Walters' Family said...

Your loss has made your passion and love for other mothers struggling with similar issues so strong. Bless you sweet sister!!!

Anonymous said...

((((big hugs)))

Gwen said...

((hugs)) I remember your struggles and hardships when you lost the babies. I'm so glad Salem has grown to be the beautiful blessing she is.