A woman is sharing her “completely exhausting” grieving journey after suffering six miscarriages – before welcoming her miracle baby.
After Carissa Klein, 42, tied the knot with hubby, Steve, 46, she quickly changed her tune about becoming a mum.
The medical dispatcher swung into action immediately to try for a baby and when the couple received a positive test result a few months later, they were ecstatic.
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But sadly, it wasn’t to last – and six miscarriages later, Carissa believed that she was destined to never have children of her own.
Despite being in her early forties, and losing hope, the pair tried once more and now, they’re a happy family of four, including her stepson [not named for privacy reasons].
They hope to share their story to inspire other trying families not to give up.
“When I saw the positive pregnancy test for the first time, I was full of hope and started imagining the future,” Carissa, from Minnesota, US, told Need To Know.
“I dreamed about cradling my baby, placing them gently in their crib and lovingly stroking their head as they drifted off to sleep.
“But all of those dreams quickly went up in smoke.
“After suffering three miscarriages, I was completely exhausted from grief and each one was becoming harder to deal with.
“I kept noticing babies wherever I went, with mums nursing or cuddling their little ones – it was pure torture.
“I was convinced that some people are just meant to never have children, and I was one of them.”
Carissa, who had been enjoying a life of travelling and working on her career before meeting Steve, still remained determined despite the cruel ordeal.
In October 2021, she underwent tests to find the underlying cause, but there were no clear answers.
Admitting defeat following three more miscarriages, she booked herself in to have her tubes tied for good – but fate had other plans.
Due to catching COVID, the surgery was put on hold and during this time, she fell pregnant once again.
And this time, it was the real deal.
Carissa said: “Steve and I had prayed, asking god for a miracle – and he gave that to us.
“I was excited, but I took each week as it came in a surreal, anxious haze.
“As I listened to my baby’s heartbeat for the first time, I had tears streaming down my cheeks.
“I actually felt hopeful.”
In August 2023, one week before her due date, she was induced and gave birth to little Connor, weighing 6lb 13oz.
Though panic quickly ensued, as he wasn’t breathing – but within a couple of minutes, he took his first breath.
Carissa said: “I just kept thinking: ‘We’ve gotten this far, please don’t let me lose him now.’
“But when they handed him over to me, the moment I had been dreaming of for four years finally came true.
“It felt impossible and unreal – but also incredible.
“I couldn’t stop staring at him.”
Now, he’s one year old and thriving, with Carissa and Steve soaking up every minute of being newborn parents.
She hopes her story will offer a glimpse of hope to other couples trying for a baby and provide a message of never giving up on your dreams.
She added: “Sometimes, I think I’m sleeping and I’ll wake up to the nightmare again.
“But I know that’s no longer true, I have my little miracle and I couldn’t be more grateful.
“Parenthood can be difficult at times, but we went through so much heartache to have Connor.
“Seeing his beaming smile each day makes me realise the pain was all worth it.
“Never give up on your dreams, no matter how many obstacles life throws at you, as fate always has a plan.
“Usually they say the third time’s a charm, but for us, seven is our lucky number.”
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