Infertility and Loss The Herring's

Shannon shares the ups and downs of her and her husband, Tyler’s, infertility journey and the support she found through our Infertility and Loss Support Group.

Tyler and I got married in May 2020. Navigating planning a wedding during a pandemic is stressful, to say the least, but we were excited to start our lives together. We were overjoyed that following September when we found out we were pregnant with a little girl.

Everything about the pregnancy was perfect. We even agreed on a name right away, Eva, after Tyler’s late grandmother. Every checkup and ultrasound went smoothly, and we excitedly prepared for her arrival. Then, on January 28th, the unthinkable happened. I unexpectedly went into labor at 24 weeks, and Eva was born weighing only 1lb 6oz. They wheeled me over to the NICU as soon as I was able, and we spent the day praying over her. Three separate times, the nurses and doctors prepared us that it was her time to go, but her oxygen levels and heart rate would come back up, and she would stabilize again. I remember sitting by her bed, watching her monitors, and pleading with God to let her pull through. She fought so hard, but her body was ultimately too tiny. After only 14 hours, our sweet Eva passed away in my arms.

We were completely devastated. Tyler and I clung to each other and our faith in God to get through the dark days that followed. Our family, friends, and community at North Metro Church showed such an amazing outpouring of love for us.

As we continued the healing process, we felt ready to try to grow our family again. I was excited and terrified when I got another positive pregnancy test the following April. Just a few weeks later, though, we were heartbroken again as I had a miscarriage at 10 weeks. Once again, we turned to our faith to keep our heads above the water in our sea of grief. I found solace in one of my favorite verses.

But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

(Isaiah 43:1-3)

Tyler saw that I was still struggling and encouraged me to check out the Infertility and Loss support group at NMC. I was met by a group of amazing women who understood what I was going through. We shared our stories and knew that we were seen and heard. When I once again received a positive pregnancy test, the group understood my fear. They prayed for me as the doctor called and said levels indicated this pregnancy would likely end in a miscarriage as well. The group also rejoiced with me when our miracle came through, and Hannah Ruth entered the world last August. Navigating infant loss and infertility can be such a lonely and isolating road. I am so thankful for NMC's Infertility and Loss group and the place of healing it offers to women walking this difficult journey.

Mothers At Heart

SUNDAY, MAY 7 AT 2:00PM

This is an event honoring women experiencing infertility, miscarriage, or infant loss. If you have struggled with any of these difficult challenges, please join us for fellowship and encouragement. Visit northmetro.org/events for more details and to register.