Motherhood is often depicted as a beautiful, joyous experience, filled with love and happiness. And while that is undoubtedly true, my journey into motherhood has taught me that it's also filled with challenges that test your strength in ways you never imagined.
On September 29th, 2023, my life changed forever when I welcomed my daughter, Viyana, into the world. Sharing her birthday with her father felt like the universe's perfect gift. But behind the facade of joy, there was a darker reality waiting to be uncovered.
Just four hours after Viyana's birth, I found myself in a fight for my life. Excessive bleeding signaled a postpartum hemorrhage, a rare but serious condition that left my loved ones praying for a miracle. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, there were angels in the form of my gynecologist, Dr. Veena Shinde, my healer, Dr. Garima Agarwal, and the compassionate staff at Cloudnine Hospital Malad, who fought tirelessly to help me fight through the critical condition and the endless prayers of my family that pulled me through.
So, Postpartum hemorrhage (also called PPH) is when a woman has heavy bleeding after giving birth. It's a serious but rare condition. It usually happens within 1 day of giving birth, but it can happen up to 12 weeks after having a baby. About 1 to 5 (percent) in 100 women who have a baby have PPH.
Recovery was slow and painful. Four surgeries in total – including two C-sections, a vaginal procedure, and the delicate task of stitching my uterus back into place – with countless moments of doubts, all of this tested my resolve and left me questioning my body's ability to heal. I had also received a transfusion of blood, platelets, and plasma under utmost care in this time of crisis.
It was not until the end of December 2023 that I could even begin to regain a sense of normalcy – But with each small victory – the ability to sit without pain, to turn in bed unaided – I felt a flicker of strength reignite within me.
My purpose in sharing my story is not to evoke sympathy but to shed light on the harsh realities many women face after childbirth. Postpartum care is often overlooked or underestimated, leaving mothers vulnerable and unsupported in their time of need. My hope is that by sharing my experience, others will recognize the importance of providing compassion and assistance to new mothers as they navigate this challenging journey.
I am endlessly grateful for the love and support of my husband - Yash, my parents, and my sister. Their unwavering dedication made even the darkest days bearable. It is still very difficult for me to digest the fact that I hardly remember seeing my little one on the day I gave birth to her. I still cannot settle with the fact that my husband could not celebrate his birthday instead he was asked to sign the consent papers at the hospital because no one knew what the outcome would me while I was in the OT.
My greatest source of strength is my daughter, Viyana. Her presence in my life reminds me every day of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of unconditional love. She has taught me to laugh in the face of adversity, to cry without shame, and to rise stronger with each setback.
Seeing her I could take a moment to slow down, but not give up on achieving my milestones. It is an amazing journey filled with highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks, but through it all, I am grateful for the opportunity to experience the unparalleled bond between a mother and her child.
I am immensely thankful for my mom - I only wish if I could even do 5% of what she has done for me, for Viyana, I will have achieved everything!
As I reflect on my journey, my respect for all mothers has reached new heights. Each of us walk a unique path, facing our own trials and tribulations along the way. May we always approach motherhood with kindness and understanding, honouring the strength and resilience it requires.
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