On November 21st 2016 I went in to be seen at my local OB clinic for some swelling. This was on post on Fort Bragg, NC. I was sent to L&D for high blood pressure. I was monitored for 24 hours and had a urine check for protein done. I was then diagnosed with preeclampsia with sever features. I was put on magnesium and induced with pitocin.

I have little to no recollection of my hospital stay. I just remember having headaches and feeling very ill. The nurses and doctors just said it was from the magnesium. I was discharged four/five days later. My son did great. I, on the other hand, suffered. I was sent home with a headache and dizziness. I spent the first two months after my son was born in bed because I couldn’t get up from being so dizzy. I could stand up for more than a minute or two without feeling ill.

I got into doula work about a year ago and knowing what I know now I could’ve advocated for myself so much better. My experience is something I look back at so frequently. While I am grateful my son was okay and healthy I look back at me and what I went through and cry. I think trauma is very real and it derived from my birth experience.