I'm a mama of three and photography is my side hustle.
In 2011, I was a clueless expecting mama at 24 weeks going in to the OB for some symptoms people told me were "totally normal." I trusted my gut and made the appointment anyway. Turns out, at 24 weeks, I was losing my mucous plus and dilated 5 cm.
Steroid shot and ambulance ride later, I was told I would not leave the hospital til the baby was born. After several attempts of slowing labor, Aiden was born a few hours later in the water sack. He cried a few moments on his own and then was put on a vent. 1 lb 10 oz micro preemie miracle.
He was too small to breastfeed but I knew my milk was the best chance at helping him through the fight of his life. My body was not ready but I pumped anyway. By the time he was strong enough to try feedings through a feeding tube, I had enough stocked up to give him mothers milk.
After 109 days in the NICU he came home healthy. Now he is 7 years old and perfect. Trust your gut when you are pregnant, you know your body better than anyone. No matter how you feed or raise your child, mothers know best. I am now a mother of 3 healthy kiddos.
-Anjel, @anjel1988
Check out her photography @anjelmartinphotography