Finding Peace in the midst of a raging storm.
Today’s guest post is from Meredith, who shares her heart and her son with us today in her post “finding peace in the midst of a raging storm.
If you have found yourself in a raging storm, find comfort in her words as you begin finding peace in your storm.
Yesterday, I met with a specialist, Dr. Collins at Tennessee Maternal Fetal Medicine.
This appointment was made for me to get vials of blood drawn for various issues- issues that could cause harm to a future pregnancy. I actually didn’t know I was seeing a specialist for a “consultation” if you will. I thought there was a list of blood I needed drawn provided to the phlebotomist.
Mom went with me because Thomas was unable to get off work. We were placed in the consultation room that we were very familiar with. I actually went to this specialist group during my pregnancy with Zek to monitor me closely since I carry the MTHFR gene. I was still heavily monitored for this even though it is no longer seen as a major risk factor for pregnancies.
Dr. Collins told me he was very impressed with the care I had received from my group of doctors at Women’s Health Specialist. Essentially, they went above and beyond for me throughout my pregnancy with Isaiah. I knew this. Dr. Jones sent over thirty-seven pages of medical information on me. Dr. Collins reviewed them all prior to my visit.
First I’ll start with what he explained to us about a true knot.
He told us that Isaiah had likely had this knot (it wasn’t a true knot the whole time because it hadn’t tightened) for the majority of my pregnancy. He said babies are actually born healthy with a loose knot present at times. The problem occurs when the knot TIGHTENS. This stops everything from getting to the baby that is needed.
So- I am sitting wondering why this knot wasn’t seen on ANY ultrasounds (and I had a lot of them) during my pregnancy. He explains that it is impossible to see from one end of the cord to the other end during an ultrasound. I asked him how the blood flow was always perfect when they checked with color doppler. His response, “because it had not yet tightened.”
Secondly, Isaiah had his cord around his neck as well.
This isn’t always a problem either. He explained again that many deliveries are encountered where the baby has the cord wrapped loosely around their neck. So in Isaiah’s case we have concluded this after reading all pathology reports on my placenta and his cord.
The problem likely, and I say that word because no one knows 100% for sure, occurred when Isaiah went to turn, placing him head down. We know that the “loop” was already present. We know that because he stated that it is easy for a baby to loop the cord when they are at a younger gestation because they can flip, and go in and out of the cord essentially. They can’t do this when they get to the gestation Isaiah was.
Since Isaiah got is cord wrapped around his neck, likely happening when he flipped head down, the loop that was already present then tightened, forming what is referred to as a True Knot. Since Isaiah had also got the cord around his neck in the process of flipping head down, the knot tightened and also caused the cord to get tight around his neck. Dr. Collins also went over other questions that I had. We discussed a game plan for a future pregnancy. I will see my current OB in addition to the specialists at TMFM. I will deliver at 36-37 weeks.
Six vials of blood were drawn.
They are testing for any issues that could cause me to need anticoagulants. I am also being tested for all auto-immune diseases. Again, this is all for precaution to ensure we have covered all basis for a future pregnancy. He said at this point it would be silly not to do this. If results come back that I have something in one of these categories, that is not what caused this unfortunate circumstance we encountered with Isaiah.
After our appointment yesterday, I have hope.
I have hope for guidance that can only come from the Lord. He IS guiding us in this journey- And it certainly is a journey. Isaiah can NEVER be replaced. He was his own precious person. He was our second child. If we are blessed with another child, that will be our third child. Ezekiel and Isaiah will always be big brothers should the Lord choose to bless us with another precious baby. If he doesn’t bless us with another one, then Isaiah will always remain as the baby of our family.
I have learned from this pregnancy, that no matter how much we as humans try to control a situation, including all kinds of monitoring even when it isn’t deemed “medically necessary,” it isn’t up to US. God has the absolute final say in every situation. I pray that God continues to guide me, comfort, and adorn me with his love and gratitude. I will continue to praise him in this storm. He is forever faithful.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2
Written by Meredith Montgomery
You can read more about Meredith’s story and her precious son Isaiah here.
Have you found yourself in a storm during life? How are you finding peace in your storm? How are you finding peace when life looks dark?
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Hi there, I’m Jenna! I am a devoted mommy and wife. As well as an advocate for children and creating a peaceful atmosphere for those we love. I co-wrote Faith Actually: Living Life After Tragedy with my husband. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and currently working toward my Master’s in Positive Psychology. My number one desire is to create a peaceful home life for my family. My second desire is to share with you the tips I learn along the way!