Halle’s Story

It was September 12, 2023. I went to work that morning after having my baby shower the weekend prior. We were showered with love, and we were excited that we only had up to four more weeks until our first baby girl, Halle, would finally be in our arms.

Halle was mine and my husband Joel’s first baby, and after spending almost nine years together, we were so excited for this next step in our lives.

Something felt off that morning. I don’t remember feeling Halle move. I told myself that she was probably sleeping, or that since I had an anterior placenta, it was hard for me to feel her move unless it was big movements.

During my 30th week of pregnancy, I stayed overnight at the hospital due to lack of fetal movement. Everything ended up being perfectly fine, and I was embarrassed that I went in and nothing was wrong. During that time, I had the most wonderful nurse who cared for me. Her name was Maya. She told me not to be embarrassed—that’s what they were there for. “Anytime you feel like you want to come in, just come in and we will check you out,” she said.

Halle by NILMDTS Affiliated Photographer Melanie Rodger

That morning, I kept hearing Maya’s voice in my head telling me, “Just come in.” So Joel and I …