
My mum passed away in 2004, from a rare condition called MSA. I was 18 years old. I thought that would be the hardest thing I would ever have to go through in my lifetime.
But unfortunately it wasn’t.
At the end of 2014, my partner and I found out that we were expecting, we were so happy. My pregnancy was straight forward, a bit of morning sickness early on but nothing serious.
Watch: Nikki Gemmell on the unbearable reality of her mother’s death (post continues after video)
Our 13 week scan was great, as was our 20 week scan. We also had a number of blood tests that came back fine. We found out we were expecting a baby boy. Because I was relatively young, and everything seemed to be going well, our doctors didn’t see the need for any further scans or tests after 20 weeks.
I made sure I was super healthy during my pregnancy. I did everything by the book. No alcohol, no coffee etc. We gave birth, at 39 weeks, on July 14, 2015, a day before my birthday.
Cooper was the most beautiful thing we had ever seen. We were told he was fine.
Top Comments
That's really tough and I honestly can't believe that your workplace was so ill-prepared for your return that you were having to endure well meaning but hurtful questions from people who didn't know. It really suggests that there is a gap in workplace support systems - as well as ensuring you're okay, they should have been preparing your colleagues for your return to make it easier for you.
Wow I have actually just written a similar piece. My mother is suffering from early onset alzheimers so I am devastated. I am also struggling with fertility issues and am unable to get pregnant. Early onset alzheimers is so devastating. Its like she's already gone. So yes I had a sad mothers day too.