Spread love to moms this Valentine's Day (with example letter #3)

Help us spread love to moms this Valentine’s Day by writing a letter of encouragement. We’ll collect letters and hand-deliver them to women during their prenatal care appointments. Learn more here.If you need inspiration, see one of our favorite letters below.

Dear Expecting Mom,

You are on a journey that is both exciting and full of unexpected surprises. Pregnancy can be stressful, fun, tiring, and amazing all at once! Seeing the changes your body will go through and feeling the little life in your womb move and grow is an experience that words can’t describe.

I am a mother of three. My very first pregnancy was with twin girls. Talk about shock! I was overwhelmed and though I had witnessed my sisters’ pregnancies, there’s nothing like going through it myself. I worked full-time, volunteered at my church and tried to keep up with everything at home while my body was busy trying to grow two healthy babies.

Unfortunately, my water broke at 23 weeks and 6 days. I totally didn’t see that coming. My little girls, Kasiah and Kaydence, were born five days later. They were so tiny, but instantly I was in love. My daughter, Kaydence, opened her eyes in the isolette and looked at me – that moment changed my life. Though she probably couldn’t really see me, she felt my presence, and all the struggles and difficulties I endured during my pregnancy suddenly became worth it all. At that moment, I would have given anything to help them keep fighting.

My little girls passed away the next day. That was the most difficult moment of my life. Yes I was sad, my heart was broken, and I was depressed – but instead of letting the experience break me and break my spirit, I let it shape my perspective and my view of the world. It strengthened me and made me a better me.  Losing my daughters taught me to be an advocate for my own health and wellness; it taught me to appreciate the precious gift of life and the opportunity to carry it. I now have been given the awesome opportunity to counsel and encourage other moms who’ve lost babies or young children – something I would have never been able to do had I not endured my own trial and allowed my heart to grieve and then heal.

Every storm has a rainbow, and my rainbow baby was born on October 25, 2014. My son, Kaden, has brought me unspeakable joy! He can’t replace his sisters, but I wasn’t looking for a replacement. I received a wonderful gift in the birth of my son. When he smiles and coos at me, my heart melts.

I admit, I was a little nervous about having another baby, but my care was phenomenal and my pregnancy was smooth and uncomplicated. I had a great support system to keep me going and ease any fears and doubts. Every time I look into Kaden’s beautiful brown eyes, I am thankful that I had the courage to try again. All the aches and pains that go along with pregnancy were so worth it.

Having a newborn at home after five years of just me and my husband was quite the adjustment to say the least, but the kind of sleepless nights I have now are way better than the ones I had before.

We may not always know why things happen the way they do, but I’ve learned to stop worrying about all of that and just enjoy the moment. Enjoy your pregnancy and take good care of yourself. All the resources you need to care for your baby will fall into place.  You may not know all the ins and outs of parenting, but you will learn – that’s part of the joy of the journey!

My experience is why I care so much about expecting moms. Life is such a gift not to be taken for granted –and children are a blessing no matter the circumstances surrounding their birth. There is nothing more important than what you are doing right now – growing a life that will impact the world! There is a plan for your life and the life of your child. If you have no one else around to support you, just know that there’s a mother of three babies living in Cincinnati that is rooting for you and your baby.

Warmest wishes for you and your baby!

Cara