Honest Stories: First Pregnancy (Vol.2)

On what she struggled with quietly:

"I struggled with horrible hyperemesis during my first pregnancy. Because I had miscarried a few months prior, I remember being excited the first time I had to run to the bathroom and throw up — 'Yay, this is the real deal and happening!' That excitement didn't last long as it got way worse. Aside from a few close friends, when I tried to confide in people I didn't feel fully understood. People would say things like 'that's just pregnancy!' I felt like my pain was dismissed, and it was very isolating. I was getting sick 10 to 12 times a day and ended up in the ER for IV nausea meds and fluids. Working as an RN, I had to take leave from work, and many days I couldn't get out of bed. I spent most of my pregnancy horizontal, in survival mode. I wish more people talked about how debilitating hyperemesis can be."

On how it changed the way she sees herself:

"My first pregnancy changed the way I see myself today in a big way. I can do hard things — I am so proud of my body and everything it went through to bring my baby boy into this world. I've always struggled with body image and wanting to lose weight and get 'skinny.' I don't feel that same obsession now. I want to be patient with my body as I heal and get strong again. I want to give my body grace and love, just as it gave me my greatest gift. I feel so grateful — women are superheroes."