In an emotional narrative, Jason Thompson reflects on the heartbreaking loss of his partner, Mia, who died following their second stillbirth. Content warning: This article addresses themes of pregnancy loss and maternal mortality.
Jason vividly recalls the moment he and Mia, a former cheerleader for the Atlanta Falcons, discovered they were expecting again. This revelation was charged with emotion, especially since they had endured a stillbirth less than a year prior, in 2022. “We began trying again at the end of September 2023,” Jason shares. Their son, Lucas, had been stillborn on November 27, 2022, and on November 26, 2023, Mia received a positive pregnancy test. “It felt like a sign from Lucas,” he adds.
Initially, their healthcare providers reassured them that both Mia and the baby were healthy. The couple was overjoyed to be expecting again, but trepidation soon crept in. “We wanted to see our OB/GYN as soon as possible, but they informed us that the earliest appointment was in the first week of January, when Mia would be 10 weeks along,” Jason explains. Given Mia’s prior experiences with sepsis and stillbirth, they felt this timeline was too risky.
In search of earlier medical attention, they reached out to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, but were told the first available appointment was at 14 weeks. Displeased with this response, they reluctantly accepted it but were left feeling uneasy about their care options.
Resources for Family-Building Options
For those considering family-building options, resources like Resolve can provide valuable insights into the process of intrauterine insemination, which may be helpful for couples navigating similar paths. Additionally, for those exploring at-home insemination, MakeAMom offers unique solutions, including the only reusable option available on the market. You can also learn more about how the insemination process works through this guide.
Moreover, if you’re looking for support and community, consider joining the free sperm donor matching group on Facebook. For moms balancing the challenges of pregnancy, MakeAMom’s self-care tips can be an excellent resource.
For those interested in baby names, check out this blog post for inspiration that might resonate with your journey.
Conclusion
To summarize: Jason Thompson’s experience highlights the critical issues surrounding maternal health, especially for Black women. The distressing reality of their journey underscores the need for better healthcare access and support. For those facing similar challenges, various resources and communities are available to provide guidance and assistance.