Welcome to the World, Baby AJ
I was so unbelievably touched when I reach about the journey to baby AJ. I emailed mom almost immediately telling her I'd love to share her story as it was one of SO much hope and determination!
After almost two years of trying naturally to get pregnant and an early loss, Samantha and Aaron decided to pursue fertility treatments. Her testing initially showed no concerns and she was diagnosed as having unexplained infertility. With no infertility coverage and having to pay everything out of pocket, they decided to move forward with treatments. After several unsuccessful medicated timed cycles, they moved to IUI's but were also met with no success. Her doctor recommended that Samantha move towards IVF...
Samantha went for a saline sonogram but the doctor could not get the catheter in so she needed to get a hysteroscopy. Even under anesthesia, the doctor could not get the scope in. Over $2,000 for a surgery that yielded no result, Samantha had to see the head surgeon for another hysteroscopy and cervical dilation procedure, at which point she was told she has severe cervical stenosis.
Samantha began starting the process for her egg retrieval. She maxed out on meds and was told she was a poor responder. From the entire first IVF cycle, Samantha only had one embryo. On the day of her transfer, they drove a total of seven hours to have the surgery during a blizzard. Sadly, the transfer resulted in a chemical pregnancy. Over $30,000 out of pocket was completely down the drain with just a broken heart to show for it.
Samantha and Aaron opted to try for another round of IVF completely out of pocket. Samatha's protocol was switched, she was now on medications for her endometritis. After the transfer, Samatha found out she was pregnant again! Sadly, this pregnancy resulted in a blighted ovum. After her third miscarriage, Samantha had to have her fifth surgery for the d&c. Six weeks later, her HGC levels still had not bottomed out, revealing that she had leftover placental tissue in her uterus resulting in her sixth surgery in just 11 months.
In preparation for her third fetal egg transfer, Samantha was put in a strict diet and medication protocol. Samantha went gluten free and dairy free; she was put on Benadryl, baby aspirin, blood thinner injections, and two antibiotics to clear her endometritis. However, it became evident that her uterine lining was not progressing and her cycle was cancelled. Over $3,000 out of pocket for the cycle, to not even go through with the fetal egg transfer.
Samantha continued to stay hopeful and attempt another fetal egg transfer. Her body responded to the protocol this time, but sadly, the transfer was unsuccessful.
After the failed fourth attempt, Samantha and Aaron decided to take a step back from everything. She continued to stay hopeful and pray for what would come next. After four years of trying with no success, Samantha became pregnant naturally! Without any treatment, any medications, or any interventions; even Samthana's nurse and doctor were shocked. Every scan showed that the pregnancy was progressing beautifully, and that a healthy little boy was developing. In October, sweet baby AJ was born!
AJ is a true miracle and I am SO inspired by the amount of hope, love, optimism, and determination that Samantha and Aaron had to get him. They were such amazing parents and I'm honored to have told their beautiful story!
Kristin Baker is a boutique photographer serving Monmouth County and the greater Jersey Shore area; including Wall Township, Spring Lake, Middletown, and Rumson. Kristin specializes in fine-art newborn, maternity, and family portraiture. Kristin's style is a mix of organic and contemporary, she focuses on muted and neutral tones to create timeless photos that you'll cherish for years to come.
Kristin is currently offering a FREE Classic Studio Maternity Collection to all newborn clients! To check out Kristin's newborn portfolio and collections, click here. Booking for newborns is currently open through September 2020 with limited spots available. For more information or to book a session, contact Kristin today!
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