Everything about my first pregnancy was perfect until one day when I was driving home from work at 34 weeks pregnant.

I developed crushing chest pain and the worst headache of my life. I had never experienced high blood pressure in my life prior to this moment. There were no warning signs whatsoever. That was the most scary part. The doctors diagnosed me with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Four hours later, after my presentation to the emergency room, I was told I needed immediate emergency C-section to save my life and my son's life. My blood pressure was 190/120 and rising. Next thing I knew, my stretcher was being rushed to the operating room. Baby Liam was born and I was able to look at him for about 30 seconds before he was placed into the care of the NICU doctors and nurses and taken away from me to the NICU. I struggled with significant pain post-operatively while making daily trips to and from the NICU, difficulty with nursing, and significant mental health challenges such as postpartum depression upon returning home. Today, baby and I are healthy and thriving. I look forward to opportunities to help other women facing similar challenges.