Each morning I peek over the side of my daughter’s crib and see her little face smiling at me. As I pick her up and kiss her little neck, she laughs and pulls her knees into my body. It is hard to describe how much I love her and the peaceful feeling in my heart when she smiles or laughs. It is difficult to describe, but it is strong enough to make me forget how tired I am or the long day I face. I know I would sacrifice my life for her without a moment’s hesitation. I still can’t believe I am her mother.
My husband and I tried for three years to have a baby; we had four miscarriages at six weeks and one late loss at 22 weeks. Deep down I knew that my husband and I would eventually have a child but I also knew it wouldn’t be easy.
But before giving birth to my daughter I had a tough road…. I had lost a child at 22 weeks. Dr. Kofinas ordered extensive tests to be performed on the placenta to discover my auto-immune issue. My previous IVF physician did not test for auto-immune issues, in fact, after the loss he commented that it was a fluke and I should just get pregnant again. When I told him that Dr. Kofinas thought I had an auto-immune response to the pregnancy he replied “that doesn’t really happen if you don’t have any other auto-immune issues, I don’t think that is your problem”. I knew I had to switch to an IVF physician who recognizes, and treats auto-immune issues.
My husband and I are so fortunate that Dr. Kofinas knew what to test for and how to proceed with the next pregnancy, which finally resulted in a healthy baby girl. He referred me to a new IVF physician who routinely tests for egg attachment issues. They made sure I was treated for my antiphospholipid antibody syndrome as well as my auto-immune related issue prior to conception.
During my pregnancy I had some placental issues that had to be immediately addressed, I developed pre-eclampsia, preterm labor, and I was put on bedrest at 20 weeks. Fortunately, Dr. Kofinas is an expert in these and many other areas and was able to skillfully address all issues as they arose. I have so much respect for Dr. Kofinas and his dedication to helping the very high-risk patients like me. He travels the world to learn treatment methods that are successful in other countries and he is willing to use some of those methods that may be unorthodox but have a long history of being effective.
Daily I reflect on how lucky my husband and I are to have such a wonderful little person in our family. Our daughter is now a healthy 15-month-old and has succeeded in surpassing all milestones to date. My hope is that everyone who wants a child as much as we did will find an excellent physician who is dedicated to helping them find answers to their individual issues. My husband and I have decided to have a second child, not only will we be working with Dr. Kofinas but we have decided not to move from the area until the second child is born. I simply do not trust anyone else to manage my pregnancy, there is too much at risk.
Approach it and there is no beginning; follow it and there is no end.You can’t know it, but you can be it, at ease in your own life. Just realize where you come from: this is the essence of wisdom.
Kim
