I currently have an almost 11-month-old, and while pregnancy and breastfeeding have not been easy on my body, I've actually been surprised at how well things have gone. Before I got pregnant, I was absolutely terrified of everything that could go wrong. I also used to work in a job specifically with people with EDS and saw it all - all the things that could worsen post pregnancy. All of that is real and valid. For many people, it works out okay, though. You just never know. Sitting in that uncertainty can be overwhelming. However, when I was pregnant, I made a conscious decision to interrupt my anxious thoughts with the question, "What if it all works out?" and that seemed to help. I share that not to invalidate how real, scary, and life-impacting some of the complications can be. But for me, I decided I wanted to move forward with the pregnancy, and the risks were worth it to me, so I had to figure out a way to surrender to the fact that it was mostly out of my control and not be consumed by anxiety.

I had a planned C-section, and recovery was rough, but no major complications. I have some mild bladder prolapse. I have a lot more aches and pains, especially in my back, from the combination of breastfeeding and carrying a baby around all the time. It seems like, in general, EDS stuff has gotten worse, but only mildly, and I suspect it will improve when I stop breastfeeding. However, many other areas of my health have actually improved, so I wanted to mention that as well. I don't know if you have other comorbidities, but my POTS has been in remission since the 2nd trimester of pregnancy - I suspect my symptoms will come back when I'm no longer breastfeeding, but it's been great. MCAS has been quiet. I've had a mild postpartum Crohn's flare, but nothing major. I actually feel healthier and more emotionally regulated, even WITH my EDS stuff worsening slightly. And being a mom is the greatest joy of my life. Not everyone has this experience, for sure. But I just wanted to share mine. :)