85 |There is Always Room for Healing - Anese Barnett

When Anese and her husband found out they were pregnant, it was not only a surprise but extremely exciting. They were caught off guard when at ten weeks, her pregnancy would shift into high risk as she was diagnosed with a short cervix, making her susceptible to preterm labor. At 20 weeks, her doctor indicated they would need to make some serious changes to help maintain the chances of that occurring. These changes included strict bed rest and a treatment plan for a cerclage (cervical stitch) placed.

Due to hospital administration issues, in the midst of this, Anese would lose her black OBGYN’s care and begin seeing another doctor. An older white woman who not only dismissed Anese's concerns but didn't think she needed to receive the cerclage. But with the support of her doula, a family friend who happened to be an OBGYN, and the careful eye of a black sonographer during an appointment, Anese was able to advocate for herself and at 23 weeks was rushed to L&D, where she received medication to stop contractions and place the cerclage.

Anese would be met with the unexpected again, at 31 weeks when her water broke, resulting in a 2-week hospital stay, and at 33 weeks going into spontaneous labor. While labor wasn't long, pushing her son earthside did take an extended amount of time, and after 2 hours and birth vacuum assistance, she and her husband got to meet their 3lb baby boy. When reflecting on her experience, Anese shared that she was thankful to have had a birth team that gave her the space to try. Many plans for her birth had changed; she hadn't thought about that impact until she was in the moment having it all unfold. But her birth team made sure she was informed, and all options were considered.

This type of support would continue as her family adjusted to life in the NICU. After five weeks, they were able to bring their son home. And as they celebrate year two of his life, healing continues and is just beginning for some family members. The layers of healing have allowed Anese to create support systems for other mothers with her similar experience. It has created a deeper bond for her husband and son and created space for her father to share his experience. Lastly, it sheds light on just how impactful full family-centered and focused care can be.

Resources:

Postpartum Support International | provide current information, resources, education, advocate for further research and legislation to support perinatal mental health

The Breakthrough Mama | mental health and postpartum preparedness counseling