I remember being so scared, putting on a brave face for my family. God, please see me through this so that I can see my kids grow up.

I wasn’t supposed to give birth this early, but I felt something was not right. God, please bring my baby into this world healthy and safe. 

I have sickle cell anemia and pulmonary hypertension which is very risky and rare. Most women don’t survive childbirth, my doctor told me. I was scheduled for an emergency C-section that day, but I refused. I felt in my heart that if they cut me open, I would not make it to see my son’s beautiful face.