It took me 10 years to talk about losing my baby. Here's why I'm sharing my story now

Ten years ago, I experienced the loss of my first baby due to premature birth. The pregnancy progressed normally for the first months, and I did not realize the severity of my condition until I started feeling contractions during the fifth month. I was rushed to the hospital, where doctors informed me of the rare cervical condition I had and the likelihood of losing my baby.

Despite the doctors' efforts, my son was delivered prematurely, leaving my husband and me heartbroken to hold him. The recovery process, both physically and mentally, was long, and it took over a decade for me to share my story.

I found solace in reading about others' experiences, realizing that my anguish and concerns were shared by many around the world. My faith played a significant role in helping me cope with the grief, and the support of my family was invaluable during this challenging time. However, after recovering, I noticed that many women, including friends and colleagues, faced similar struggles but were hesitant to openly discuss their experiences due to societal stigma and fear of being seen as pitied or blamed.

It is crucial to reduce the shame and stigma surrounding pregnancy loss, as it can lead to isolation and disconnection from loved ones, as noted by Dr. Nono Simelela, a former assistant director general at the World Health Organization. Many celebrities have since opened up about their miscarriages, which has helped to lessen the stigma.

My second pregnancy was challenging, with weeks of bed rest, but we welcomed our daughter in March 2018, four years after my first child's due date. The subsequent pregnancy was much easier, and I have found that time has truly been the greatest healer. Now, I can look back on that day without the same level of pain and am grateful for the brief time I had with my little one, who first made me a mother.