PCOS Archives - Simplistic Chic

PCOS

Happy International Women’s Day!

• By candicess

Happy International Women’s day!

I have never felt more blessed to be a woman! Carrying life and being responsible for every facet of another human being has really changed my perspective on everything I thought I knew.

It has been a learning experience already, for sure and I know that I will embrace every part of this journey that I prayed for.

Every day is women’s day when you spend every waking minute thinking about helping women to take charge of their health and lives. I created Simplistic Chic 7 years ago as a place to document my journey with PCOS and it has turned into fueling my desire to see other women push for optimal health and mental wellness. When these areas are thriving, you are much more capable of living the life God desires for you. Let me tell you, there’s no better feeling than knowing you can and will live your best life!

My wish is that every woman knows their power and is not afraid to live their lives with intention.

“You are more than eye candy and male intentions. You are a temple, a home, a sacred dwelling and you should carry yourself like that.” – unknown

Baby, PCOS

One and Done?

• By candicess

Any moms on the “one and done” committee? For those who don’t know what that is, it’s when you have had one baby or child and make the choice to close up shop for good.

I find myself tip-toeing in and out of it every few weeks. Growing up and throughout college, I always envisioned myself with the husband, great career, gorgeous home, and two kids. I’m also the oldest of four kids and it was fun growing up with siblings so, I wanted the same thing for my future babies.

Fast forward to last year when I peed on a stick and found out I was pregnant two weeks before my wedding day! We were beyond excited (and a teeny bit nervous). My journey with PCOS had been long and trying on and off for over ten years. While one of my prayers was to find healing and be in optimal health, I really, really wanted to have a healthy baby naturally. For it to have actually happened, was very surreal!

About 7 weeks into the pregnancy, the slight stomach bug feeling I had initially turned into full-fledged all day sickness. I’m talking about throwing up, gagging at different smells, unable to drink water, or even swallow my own spit. I had to hold my breath when going into the kitchen because I could smell the metal in the sink and the toaster oven, and it would send me into the bathroom dry heaving…..the worst!! I tried every remedy you could think of. Some worked for a short time while others seemed to make me feel ten times worse.

Images were created and copyrighted by Photos by Pru — www.PhotosByPru.com.

This went on for the entire 8 months of my pregnancy on top of working full-time. I tried to remain grateful because I really was but, it really was rough physically and emotionally. I thank God for my beautiful little boy and when I look at him how could I not want another one! He really is a miracle and what I needed at this time. When I think about getting pregnant again though and potentially experiencing the same thing, I don’t know if I have it in me.

Maybe if I do not have to work full-time and I could comfortably afford to stay home longer than the four months I had with Benjamin, I might entertain the idea. Other days, visions of a cute, little girl run around in my head. Ultimately, if it’s God’s will then it will happen. Only time will tell.

Are you a part of the “one and done crew”? If it was a conscious decision, what made you decide to stop at one?

Baby, PCOS

Believe It, See It, and Wait for It

• By candicess

Sometimes I wonder if this is still a dream. A little past five months have gone by since God blessed us with our sweet, little Benjamin. I cried and prayed for over ten years for a healthy baby. I researched. There were times when I gave up on the idea of being a mommy because I thought maybe it’s just not in the cards. Then, I went back to crying and praying again.

When I finally let go and learned how to be okay with God’s timing, everything happened! I got engaged, married, and found out I was pregnant all within the same year. It was overwhelming yet surreal. The baby that doctors told me I would probably never have naturally due to PCOS, was born on June 2, 2017.

I am asking God for some more major blessings in my life and whenever I get frustrated, I look at this little face and remember that God is hearing me and He will answer in His way, in His own time.

Thank you Benjamin for teaching me already how to be fully present and enjoy every minute of life. You are truly our miracle and answered prayer, and a living testimony of the power of faith in God.

Ladies, if there is anything you have been wishing, praying, and crying for believe with your whole heart that God will give you just what you need at the right time. I mean, really see yourself where you want to be and then wait on God to do His thing. I waited over ten years but let me tell you– it is truly magical!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”- Jeremiah 29:11

My e-book, This Side of Faith, is now available on Amazon! Learn how to walk in faith and get the life you have been dreaming of.

Baby, PCOS

My Labor + Delivery Story

• By candicess

He’s here! My husband and I are parents to a beautiful, healthy baby boy named Benjamin Charles. He came three weeks early on June 2 at 11:28 pm but is healthy and doing well.

God is truly awesome and we are so in love!

Labor and Delivery

On Memorial Day, I first noticed some clear liquid that would leak out periodically throughout the day. I thought I had peed on myself at first so I did not pay it any mind but, when it continued on and off for the next two days I decided to call the nurse. She asked me a few questions, called my doctor, and told me to head on over to the hospital to get checked.

A part of me was thinking it was nothing and I would probably get sent home once we got there. I texted Malcolm that we would have to go to the hospital that night and I went to throw a few more things in my bag. Once we got to the hospital, we waited only a few minutes before a nurse called my name and led me to a small room. The nurse explained the swab test she would be performing to determine whether or not it was actual amniotic fluid coming out.

She came back and said, “Well, you’re not leaving here without a baby.”

I did not know what to say. I knew that he would come earlier than the June 21st due date because for all of May I could literally feel like his head was knocking at the door. It was painful to walk and the dizzy spells made every day tasks almost impossible but, a June 2nd delivery was much earlier than I expected but, the day had come.

I was moved into a delivery room and given Pitocin around 10 in the morning. Thirteen hours later, after an epidural, and seven pushes our miracle baby boy was born at 11:28 p.m. After being sick my entire pregnancy and having killer contractions, when I looked at him for the first time it was ALL worth it.

*If you want to hear more about my journey with PCOS and how I got pregnant naturally despite what doctors told me for years, check out my e-book, This Side of Faith.