Never Give Up (Mom at 42)

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.