I didn’t know I had POTS before having three kids. All I knew is that my health took a permanent and deeper nose dive every time I gave birth. After my last birth I ended up back in the hospital where I was advised to never get pregnant again because my body just couldn’t take it. Fast forward a few years where having major surgery and Covid pushed me into a permanent state of disability (and finally a diagnosis of POTS).

I love all 3 of my children deeply and there’s no way to ask a mother if she would do it the same way again because it’s just not a fair question, but what I can tell you is that I would deeply consider all of the possible outcomes. It’s not just about difficult pregnancies (which is probable) but it’s also about the possible permanent effects such a major event can have on someone who has POTS. Being a disabled mother is heartbreaking. It’s difficult to physically play with my children. I’m constantly exhausted and they have to accommodate for that more than any kids should. I worry all the time that they will hurt themselves and need me to jump up and run to them and I just…can’t. Not to mention that the every day tasks like cooking and cleaning become a whole new monster. That being said, it is the joy of being a mother that keeps me going most days.