“A dream come true”
Becoming a mother is often described as a life-changing experience – and it truly is. But for me, the road to meeting my daughter Nelly was one of unexpected challenges, emotional highs and lows, and ultimately, a joy so pure that every hard moment now feels like a step toward something extraordinary.
The early days
The first few months of pregnancy were nothing like I had imagined. I was diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, an extreme form of morning sickness that left me constantly nauseous and unable to keep food down. For four long months, I struggled just to get through the day. It wasn’t simply a bad morning here and there – it was debilitating. I had to go on medication just to keep fluids and nutrition in my body.
As a first-time mum, I didn’t know what was normal, but I quickly learned that this wasn’t it. I felt isolated, frustrated, and honestly, a little robbed of the early excitement that’s supposed to come with pregnancy. But I kept holding on to hope – and to the support of my husband, who stayed strong for both of us.
A new challenge: Pre-eclampsia
Just as things started to settle, a new complication arose. In my third trimester, I developed severe pre-eclampsia. My blood pressure began to rise dangerously. I was seeing black spots, suffering from relentless headaches and was constantly fatigued. Paracetamol didn’t touch the pain. It was frightening, and even more so because everything felt so out of my control.
I was admitted to St Peter’s Hospital multiple times, and while it’s a hospital that has received mixed reviews, I want to shout from the rooftops just how amazing the staff were. The midwives, nurses, and doctors who cared for me were nothing short of angels. They treated me with dignity, empathy, and unwavering attention. I wish I could name each of them here, because they carried me through one of the hardest times of my life.
The birth: an emotional rollercoaster
At 36 weeks and 4 days, it became clear that my body couldn’t continue the pregnancy any longer. I was maxed out on all medications, and to protect my health – and my baby’s – I was admitted for early delivery. I was given magnesium sulphate to protect my brain, a moment that made the seriousness of the situation all too real.
We tried for an induction, but it didn’t work. Eventually, I was rushed into a Category 2 emergency C-section. The fear, the lights, the flurry of activity – it was overwhelming. But then, there she was. Nelly.
Meeting Nelly, our little miracle
Nelly arrived small but strong, four weeks premature but breathing and thriving. Although she didn’t need NICU, NICU doctors and nurses were present at her birth to ensure everything was okay. Their calm professionalism and gentle care reassured us in those precious first moments.
Navigating life with a premature baby was a new kind of challenge. Everything felt more delicate, more intense. But she was here, and she was ours. I can’t even describe the feeling of holding her for the first time.
Recovery and reflection
Even after giving birth, the journey wasn’t over. I continued to battle pre-eclampsia for four more weeks postpartum, requiring medication and constant monitoring. Gradually, I was weaned off, and with time, my body began to heal.
Now, I’m on maternity leave, soaking in every moment with my baby girl. The days are long and sometimes tough, but they are filled with love, cuddles, and milestones I never want to forget.
One of the most magical parts of this story? My husband dreamed I was pregnant before we even knew. Later, he dreamed again – this time, that we were having a girl. Both dreams came true. I still get chills thinking about it. It feels like she was always meant to be with us.
Loving life with Nelly
We’ve found so much joy in the little things, like walks with our Silver Cross Reef 2 in Mocha – which we absolutely love! It’s stylish, smooth, and perfect for our recent trip to Cornwall, where it handled every path and trail with ease.
Final thoughts
This experience has been the hardest and most beautiful chapter of my life. It taught me that motherhood doesn’t always begin the way we picture it. It’s messy, emotional and unpredictable, but so full of love.
I hope my story encourages other mums, especially first-time ones, who might be walking through something similar. You’re not alone, and you are stronger than you think.
And to my daughter Nelly, thank you for making me a mum. You were worth every moment.
