When we started our pregnancy journey in February 2019, I never imagined this would be our story. After struggling with irregular cycles for 6 months, we were shocked when we saw our first positive pregnancy test. It felt like a miracle, until we went into the doctor's office for our ultrasound.
"I'm so sorry...I'm not seeing a heartbeat."
Five months later, we had another pregnancy test. "THIS is the one!" we thought. A few weeks later, our second angel was, again, taken from us too soon.
Our pregnancy journey has been one of the greatest challenges of my life, which is why it's been laid on my heart to share it with you. The truth is that 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, and 1 out of 8 couples struggle with infertility. Despite the millions of people who are impacted by pregnancy loss and infertility, you still feel incredibly alone.
This is why I want to break the silence about miscarriage and infertility.
For over a year, I've allowed myself to feel restricted by my business. Any time I even dreamed about branching out and talking more about motherhood, I couldn't help but think, "This is an EDITING business, not a motherhood blog...stay in your own lane, Emily..." But as this journey of ours continues, I cannot ignore my desire to discuss more than just editing on this platform.
My business was founded on the idea of helping photographers take back their lives by providing them with fast, reliable editing services. It was never meant to become a lifestyle blog in any way, but as the years have passed, I've evolved as a person. My interests and passions have changed, which is why I've decided it's finally time that my business is going to evolve with me.
This branch of my website is just getting started, but I hope you'll check back regularly to check out all of the content I'll be releasing regarding motherhood, miscarriage, and infertility. I'll also be updating you on our journey as we continue trying to build our family.
Until then, mama, just know I'm thinking about you and that you are not alone.
It can be difficult to figure out how to mourn your little one after a loss. Some people just want to move past the loss and not have any reminders, and that is completely understandable! Others want to acknowledge their loss, which is absolutely understandable, too. However you choose to remember your pregnancy, that is the right way. There is no "wrong" way to do this.
As someone who wanted to have something that acknowledged our losses, I can tell you first hand that it can feel be a little difficult to know how to do this. This is especially true if you miscarried early on in your pregnancy. Your friends and family may not understand why you want to commemorate your loss, but don't let this deter you from doing so if it's what you want. It is absolutely normal to want to acknowledge your loss. Maybe you want to celebrate your baby's due date, or maybe you just want to have something that commemorates their memory: any way you choose to do this is the right way.
Personally, we didn't want to do anything huge, but we did want to have some subtle things that were mainly just for us. If that sounds like you, then I highly recommend checking out these three memorial gifts. These are the three main ways we decided to remember our little angels, and they have brought so much comfort. I hope that maybe you will also find comfort in these little gestures as well.
If you know someone who just experienced a loss, I can tell you they are grieving. Consider sending them one of these sweet gifts! I guarantee they will be so appreciative of your love and support during this time.