Hello

One of my biggest dreams since I was a little girl was to become a mother. I took motherhood so seriously that my husband and I waited for a long time to have children, when we were both emotionally and financially ready to take on the responsibility of parenting. We were thrilled when I was pregnant with our first child, a baby boy we named "Lucas," which means light. 

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On May 14, 2018, just a day after Mother’s Day, I was 39 weeks pregnant and began to feel contractions in the early evening. Although my pregnancy was classified as a high-risk one due to my age—over 35—everything had progressed normally and healthily up until that day. With joy and anticipation, my husband and I arrived at the hospital, looking forward to finally meeting our son. 

 

However, shortly after our arrival, I started to bleed. At first, I was reassured that minor bleeding was typical, but that “little” bleeding escalated into a gushing flow. I had to undergo an emergency C-section. It turned out that I was suffering from placenta abruption, a severe complication where the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery. This condition can cut off the baby’s supply of oxygen and nutrients and lead to significant maternal bleeding (Mayo Clinic). I came dangerously close to losing my own life, and heartbreakingly, Lucas was stillborn.

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My personal loss was a harsh awakening, forcing me to confront the prevalence of stillbirths in modern America, in the 21st century. Raising public awareness about the risks associated with stillbirth is the crucial first step to reduce stillbirths and save lives. As grieving families, we have the power to make a difference. Let this documentary film be one of the small steps that may lead to necessary changes so so more babies will be born alive. 

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