I am a Christian obstetrician-gynecologist who cares for the medical needs of a mother and her baby. And yet, sometimes I find myself more like a grief counselor as I help mothers reconcile their expectations with reality. 

 

For the past 17 years, I have taken care of women through preconception, their pregnancies, deliveries, and motherhood journeys. I have the privilege of handing a squirmy baby to new parents. I have cried happy tears with new daddies as they have cut their baby’s umbilical cord. I love the hallmark experience of childbirth. These are the highlights of my job. 

 

But it is the woes of the womb - the lowlights - that have caused me to draw on my relationship with Jesus. Because the truth is, pregnancy and motherhood are not all daisies.There are shadowed crosses amongst the daisies. But amongst these crosses is gospel hope for all of us. 

 

I have walked with women through infertility. Miscarriage. Unplanned pregnancies. Debilitating pregnancy symptoms. Unexpected diagnoses. Cesareans. Stillbirth. Postpartum depression. Motherhood isolation. Disappointing parenting journeys. Mothering woes continue past the womb. 

 

I have personally walked through the woes of my womb. I did not plan to be a special-needs mother. But when my perfect little girl was given the diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome, I learned (and am still learning) to die to my expectations of motherhood. I wrestled with a God I thought I had known. But my story did not end with her diagnosis. Instead, it was only the beginning. My non-verbal daughter became my muse. She taught me that Jesus loves me more than I could ever know. God redeemed my broken heart by the perfectly blemished fruit of my womb.

 

Have you ever wondered if there is  purpose in your motherhood grief? There is more to your motherhood story than your broken heart. 

 

I pray that whatever phase of motherhood you are in - you will find that God’s tender love can seal your heartbreak. 

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Do you have a story to share about how God has met you in your motherhood?

Check out our community board, app, or be a guest on my podcast! 

 

You were woven for a purpose. 

Your child was woven for a purpose.

And there is more to your story. 

Your friend,

Rachelle