Advocacy: TCHMB summit

Took off to Austin for an opportunity to speak in a panel for Texas Collaborative for Healthy Mothers and Babies (TCHMB) summit. 
This was scary. I've sat in on interviews. Did a video. But to sit on a stage to talk about my lived in experiences to a room full of healthcare providers.....
nerves were high. I told myself to make it out of the room this morning. Then make my way downstairs. 
Each step over the course of 12 years from where and when my birth story began lead me to here. Steps that had to be broken down; full of tough love reflections and celebrations. I made it to the ballroom - celebrate that, breathe out the nerves. Rein in the tears.
They called us up. I made it to the stage. Celebrate that tiny and important win. 
I spoke up - even through shaky words and tears; I got through it. I celebrated that with hugs from strangers who listened. 
12 years ago, I made the steps inside my doctor's office, with the thought that I was going to be admitted (hospital bed rest). I made the short steps to the hospital next door. 
Steps to and from the NICU. A series of milestones in the steps she took as she grew.
I couldn't have imagined these steps for myself. And here we are. Here I am. And I am left wondering, if these are the footsteps my baby is going to follow, may she know the strength in her steps and the stories behind them. May she walk with courage and grace and celebrate the small victories along the big wins. May she remember that her tiniest footprint has created the biggest impact on me.... and in the people who listened to her birth story. It's not just mine; it is hers as well.
​❤️❤️❤️ 
#preeclampsiasurvivor  #preeclampsia #ppd #maternalmentalhealth #motherhood #mommasvoices

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