Sharing Our Story

 

Opening up about the loss of our daughter has been incredibly difficult—each time feels like reliving a nightmare. But despite the pain, we believe it’s important to share our story. We hope it can offer comfort and connection to others navigating the heartbreak of losing a baby.

 

Just one month before my 40th birthday, I found out I was pregnant with my first child—a true miracle. I had previously had a conversation with God, telling Him that if motherhood wasn’t meant to be for me, I had accepted that. I felt peace in being a dog mom, even though there was a quiet sadness in letting go of the dream.

 

But on July 5, 2022, something felt different. My body was changing, and at first, I chalked it up to recently losing 50 pounds and making strides in my health journey. Still, a quiet nudge inside urged me to take a pregnancy test. I brushed it off at first, assuming it would be negative. But when I finally took one, it turned positive instantly—before I could even set it down. I was in shock.

 

At my first appointment on June 30, everything looked great. From the very beginning, I had a strong sense that I was carrying a baby girl. I already knew her name—Isabella. I had always loved that name and its beautiful meaning: “devoted to God.”

 

My pregnancy was healthy overall—aside from the usual morning sickness and learning what to eat and what to avoid. We were closely monitored with weekly ultrasounds due to my age, but everything continued to look perfect. On January 19, 2023, I had what would be my last appointment. Isabella looked strong and healthy, and we were getting so close to meeting her.

 

Then, just after midnight on January 20, I woke up to use the bathroom—and my water broke. I called the midwife, who asked if I was having contractions. I told her they were mild and irregular, and she advised me to time them and head to the hospital by 7 a.m. if things didn’t progress sooner.

 

Sleep was impossible. I paced and waited, and by morning, we made our way to the hospital. The next 48 hours were filled with fear, decisions, and ultimately, unimaginable heartbreak. After a long labor, our sweet Isabella suffered a severe brain injury and passed away from a subgaleal hemorrhage—caused by a medical tool used during delivery. We were led to believe the procedure was routine, that it was nothing to worry about. The midwife reassured us, saying the doctor had done it many times before.

 

But our daughter should still be here.

 

The trauma of those days—and the loss of Isabella—remain incredibly hard to talk about. But her life mattered, and her story deserves to be told. Through our pain, we honor her. And through our story, we hope to reach other grieving parents and remind them that they are not alone.