In this heartfelt episode of Baby Steps, sponsored by Soho Baby and Oxford Baby, Kerry Secker opens up about her extraordinary journey to motherhood after eight long years of trying. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and the beauty of miracles. Kerry’s candid discussion sheds light on the highs and lows of infertility, loss, and ultimately, the joy of welcoming her daughter Betsy into the world.
Episode Notes
Key Takeaways:
1. An Eight-Year Journey:
• Kerry began trying to conceive at age 32 and quickly fell pregnant, only to experience the heartbreak of a missed miscarriage during her first pregnancy.
• After years of unexplained infertility and deciding against IVF, Kerry and her husband made peace with the possibility of living without children—only to be surprised by a natural pregnancy at 42.
2. The Struggles of Loss and Hope:
• Kerry reflects on the emotional devastation of her miscarriage and the difficulty of moving forward after such a loss.
• She emphasizes the importance of support from loved ones and openly discussing the experience to help break the stigma around pregnancy loss.
3. Pregnancy After Loss:
• Kerry’s pregnancy with Betsy came with its own challenges, including morning sickness, reduced movements, and a diagnosis of low PAPP-A, which added stress about the health of her baby.
• Despite these challenges, Kerry focused on staying calm, eating well, and savoring the moments of pregnancy.
4. The Day of Labor:
• Due to her high-risk pregnancy, Kerry had a planned induction at 42 weeks. The induction was slow, lasting from Thursday to Sunday, but resulted in a safe and joyful delivery.
• Kerry describes the overwhelming moment of hearing Betsy’s heartbeat for the first time and the positive energy in the delivery room that made the experience unforgettable.
5. Life as a New Mom:
• Despite her extensive experience as a nanny and sleep consultant, Kerry acknowledges the emotional challenges of motherhood, such as the mental load, relationship dynamics, and sleepless nights.
• Watching her husband bond with Betsy has been one of the greatest joys of her motherhood journey.
6. Advice for Moms-to-Be:
• Be Kind to Yourself: Kerry urges women to be patient with their bodies and to nourish themselves physically and emotionally through the journey of trying to conceive and beyond.
• Never Give Up Hope: Kerry reminds listeners that miracles can happen and encourages them to stay open to possibilities, even when the journey feels overwhelming.
• Talk Openly: Sharing your experience with others can provide comfort and remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles.
Memorable Quotes:
• “I hated my body for not doing the one thing it was supposed to do. But I learned to be kind to myself and to never give up hope.”
• “Hearing her heartbeat for the first time was the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.”
Why Listen:
This episode is a beacon of hope for anyone navigating the complexities of infertility, loss, or motherhood later in life. Kerry’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, joy and miracles are possible.