In order to honor those families that are affected by infertility every single day, Austin Moms Blog plans to share several stories throughout this week. What binds us together is motherhood and whether you are a veteran mom, expecting mom, new mom, or just want to be a mom, we all have one common denominator… our love for children and motherhood.

This is Amy’s story.

National Infertility Awareness Week, Living with 2 Uterus' and 2 Cervix's, Amy MackI am the youngest in my family of 4.  After I was born, my mother and father spent countless hours trying to figure out why I was constantly crying and in pain.  The doctors finally figured out that I had a unique condition. Basically, my ureters connected to the neck of my bladder made my bladder too small to perform its function properly. When I was three months old, the doctors surgically-implanted a catheter that ran from my bladder into a diaper. I remember it like it was yesterday- I had to wear extra large diapers to cover the catheters and I also learned to crawl on my side due to the awkwardness of the diaper. A unique child to say the least!  After a couple of years, the doctors let my parents know that there was an opportunity to permanently fix the issue. My parents asked me to make the decision on whether or not I wanted a reconstructed bladder (Gastrocystoplasty), as that called for a more intense surgery and recovery.  My mom and dad will tell you they will never forget the morning when, at three years old, I came running into their room and said, “Mommy, Daddy I am ready to have a bladder!” After that, the doctors scheduled the surgery and the next thing you know I have a man-made bladder. Pretty cool, right? I thought so, and I wasn’t the shyest little girl, so anyone and everyone I met would hear the story story and get a peek at my cool stitches!

National Infertility Awareness Week, Living with 2 Uterus' and 2 Cervix's, Amy Mack

Fast forward a few years and I am at the doctor’s office finding out that I have a duplicated uterus and cervix… yes, that means I actually have 2 uteruses and 2 cervixes. At that point in my life I wasn’t too concerned about what that meant for getting pregnant and having babies, but I assumed with 2 of each it shouldn’t be a difficult process! A few more years passed and I am weeks away from marrying my high school sweetheart. I went to a fertility clinic to hear all the pros and cons about us potentially having a baby.  It was much to my surprise, and relief, to find out that I should have absolutely no problems getting pregnant, and that the doctor has seen multiple women with my same condition get pregnant and have healthy babies.  My husband and I were thrilled!  Since I was a little girl I couldn’t wait for the day to become a mom as I had, and still have, the greatest mom in the world. Also, kids just brighten up my day and always put a smile on my face.

National Infertility Awareness Week, Living with 2 Uterus' and 2 Cervix's, Amy Mack

A few months after getting married, my husband and I knew we wanted to start trying for our own little baby!!! We have been trying since November and while we have no big news to report; I will remain hopeful as I know one day we will be gifted with the sweetest little baby ever. Of course it is always in the back of my mind on whether or not I can even get pregnant given my background and all of my surgeries.  And even though you would think with two uterus’ and two cervix’s that the pregnancy odds would be in my favor, it actually makes the baby-making process more complicated. The sperm has twice the number of choices and depending on ovulation, the sperm may not make the “correct baby-making” choice.

I know there are plenty of women out there who feel the same way I do each month when they think that,  “this is the month I’m going to be pregnant I know it,” and then…period! It can also be unnerving to see your friends and family get pregnant with such ease, but I am just going to remain positive and patient with my husband, and you who knows, maybe by next year my sister-in-law, Allison will ask me to write a post about being pregnant and how awesome it is to be a mommy!

National Infertility Awareness Week, Living with 2 Uterus' and 2 Cervix's, Amy Mack
Amy & Cody Mack reside in Bentonville, AR although Texas is where their <3’s lie.

In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, it is our hope to raise awareness and educate our community about the varying types of infertility and the many options available.  We hope that you are empowered by this series, because we really are in this journey of motherhood together. Please continue to support the real moms this week as they share their journeys.  To read more, please click here.

 

2 COMMENTS

  1. Amy, our youngest Granddaughter – still remember the day I flew into Seattle to be with her after her surgery – with all the tubes, wires and machines. Will never forget the smile when she saw me. Love her so!
    Can’t wait for more Great Grandchildren!!!! Keep-em coming!

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