Getting pregnant was relatively easy for Dani Kilgore and her husband William, who looked forward to growing a family after getting married in 2009. But for Dani, a former teacher and soccer coach who now serves as a pastor in a church, staying pregnant proved challenging. Through miscarriage and preterm labor, a premature birth and devastating infant loss, Dani and William leaned on one another, their faith, and their community even as they navigated a healthcare system that didn’t always appear to have their backs.
In today’s special episode, Dani shares candidly with Meagan about the years that have led up to where she is today: the heartbreak and loss, the learning to trust her own voice as a patient, and the healing and hope that shines through her five-year-old daughter Harper.
This episode contains sensitive topics, including miscarriage and infant loss. We believe it’s important to provide a platform for moms to share pregnancy and birth stories that, while difficult to hear, help all of us understand a fuller spectrum of the motherhood experience. We hope you’ll listen today, but if you cannot, we understand and send you our love.
About Our Sponsor
Each year, March of Dimes partners with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention to create awareness about things women can do to help prevent birth defects and increase their chances of having a healthy, full-term pregnancy and a healthy baby. Through research, programs, education, and advocacy March of Dimes is leading the fight to ensure that every baby has the best possible start.
The theme for Birth Defects Prevention Month 2021 is Best for You, Best for Baby. Follow #Best4YouBest4Baby stories on social media, and for more information, visit marchofdimes.org/themomhour.
Links We Mentioned (Or Should Have):
- March of Dimes
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- In 2020 we interviewed Ashley Schafluetzel about her daughter’s premature birth and cerebral palsy diagnosis, also in partnership with March of Dimes
Photos: Courtesy of Dani Kilgore; used with permission
This was such an amazing story and I’m blown away at Dani’s grace during such a devastating time. Such an inspiration to all women. Thank you for sharing!