Do you know what a placenta abruption is?
Placental abruption occurs when the placenta detaches from the inner wall of the womb before delivery. The condition can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients. Symptoms include vaginal bleeding, belly pain, and back pain in the last 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Depending on the degree of placental separation and how close the baby is to full-term, treatment may include bed rest or a cesarean section. According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), if severe abruption occurs, 15% ends in fetal death. Infants who survive have a 40-50% chance of developing long-term health complications.
Today’s guest had a placenta abruption at 36 weeks gestation due to preeclampsia. Vanessa Robinson experienced severe bleeding losing 4 liters of blood and needed blood transfusions to survive. Her son died 4 minutes into being rushed to the hospital from severe bleeding. In this episode Vanessa takes us back to the moment she knew something was wrong, how she grieved her loss while fighting for her life, and how depression post loss lead her to research and start her own nonprofit to bring awareness, support, and education about the racial disparities against women color in the medical field.
Vanessa Robinson’s Bio
I am a writer/Advocate. A sister in loss one year, as of April 24th 2020. I am the President of my new nonprofit that will help bring awareness, support and education about the racial disparities against women of color in the medical field.
Tell me about your journey to motherhood? What obstacles have you overcome?
I lost my son to a placenta abruption 36 weeks into my pregnancy. Doctors told me it was preeclampsia but they didnt tell me about any signs or symptoms i should be watching for. My son died 4 minutes into being rushed to the hospital from severe bleeding. I lost 4 liters of blood and needed transfusions to survive. Post hospital, in the middle of my constant break downs and on set depression, I felt in my spirit i needed to do something. If the doctors couldnt answer me clearly i would find my own answers. With diligent research and relationship building i started my nonprofit to help mothers like me, women like me who needed help, needed information to have a healthy pregnancy. When they told me they couldnt find my sons heart beat it devastated me. If i could help other women never have to hear those words, My loss wont be in vain.
Any books, tools, resources that have helped you on this journey that you want to share with the audience?
Keanna Barnes “Journey to Peace”
Become a Sisters in Loss Birth and Bereavement Doula Here
Living Water Doula Services
Book Recommendations and Links Below
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