A Blessed Pregnancy

Yvonne Lugo
Puerto Rico

Carlos Aniel is my son’s name.  He represents a dream come true and one of my two biggest achievements; the other is to be able to walk again after TM.

I remember when I was in high school, I bought a pair of boy’s sneakers, because I always wanted to have a baby boy. Then, a few years later, TM happened. It was a big struggle at the age of twenty to learn to walk again, to be self sufficient and to know my body and my physical limitations.  The big question for me was whether I would be able to have children.  As a secondary effect of the cortisone, I developed avascular necrosis in both hips and had two hip replacements.  A few months after the surgeries, I developed epilepsy (seizures).

At the time I got TM, I was an aunt of three wonderful nieces and two very active nephews. One day, one of the boys threw a ball into the street and ran after it.  I wanted to run as fast as I could to save him from the traffic.  All I could do was scream, “No, don’t go into the street.”  Although nothing happened to my nephew, at that moment, I realized that my body didn’t responded to my intentions. That feeling of being helpless made me scared, but it also made my conviction of being a mother stronger than ever.  I knew that I would have to work hard. 

I started doing cardiovascular exercises and lifting lightweights at home. Immediately, I noticed a change in the strength of my limbs. With time, I had not only gained my physical strength, but mentally I was much more focused. I felt as good as I had felt since getting TM.  Also, my seizures where controlled and I stopped using medication.  I felt at this point in time that my body, mind and soul were ready for the baby.

I found out I was pregnant two days after my sister found out that she was also expecting a baby.  The news of my pregnancy was overwhelming for everyone who knew me.  After such a long time and with so many people thinking that it might never happen for me, I was going to have a baby.  My first obstetrician predicted a cesarean even before I was pregnant.  I changed to an obstetrician who understood my need to try to have my baby without judging me by my medical history and my hip replacements.  

The pregnancy was a wonderful and blessed experience. I felt great physically and spiritually and everything developed smoothly the whole ten months.  Unfortunately, during the early stages, I was very disappointed to learn that I had placenta previa and the C-section was the option.  During the pregnancy, the doctors became concerned about urinary tract infections, because my neurogenic bladder was not emptying much.  They decided to give me medications to avoid the infections.  I only took the medicines for a month, because something inside me made me feel so certain that everything was fine.  For the entire ten months, I never had an infection.

Also, I had two mild seizures and my neurologist wanted me to take a medication that was different from what my gynecologist wanted me to take.  So, I decided to use none. Again, I had this overwhelming feeling that I was in the perfect hands, G-d’s hands.  I was seizure-free during the remaining time.

When I went to the last check up to make the arrangements for the C-section, miraculously the placenta had moved and the baby was in the right position for natural birth. I had mixed emotions, because I had already prepared mentally for the C-section, but when I realized that G-d had given me the opportunity to have this baby the way I wanted it, I realized that He has been with me every step of the way in my journey through life.  

My son was born on Friday, September 26th of 2003 at 1:45 am.  He weighed 7 pounds and 3 ounces and his length was 21 inches.  I started the contractions at home and three and a half hours later at the hospital, I had my baby via natural birth.  Although it was difficult to push, because of the spasticity I have in the pelvic floor, the doctor’s intervention was of great help.  I also had the wonderful support of my mother and my husband who were present at the birth.  I have been so blessed to be able to breastfeed my baby for ten months and to even breastfeed my nephew who is 16 days older than my son.

I now have ahead of me the biggest task yet; to be the best mother possible. Everyday, I strive to reach that goal.  I am sure that with G-d guiding me, I will do my best.  Since TM, I have learned to never give up on our dreams.  With hope, faith and determination, from the bottom of our hearts, dreams can come true.

G-d bless you all,
Yvonne Lugo, a happy mother