©Amy Boyle Photography 2019
Meet Amanda:
In her own words
“Minutes after the birth of my first child via emergency c-section, I felt the unnerving sensation of my body losing blood quickly. After trying everything, the doctor said, “I have to make a choice: save your life or save your uterus. I will always choose to save you.”
I was hemorrhaging because my placenta had fused itself to my uterus—a rare condition called placenta accreta, affecting 0.04% of pregnancies. It resulted in a total hysterectomy. Without the c-section (which only happened because my son would stop breathing during contractions), we might not have caught it in time. By risking his life, my son had saved mine.
©Amy Boyle Photography 2019
I’ve healed physically, but I’m still working through the emotional aspects surrounding my inability to be pregnant again. I feel a deep sadness over the loss of my fertility, but it’s softened by how incredibly grateful I am that we are both here. I’m open about my journey in the hopes that I can help other women who may be feeling alone on theirs.
©Amy Boyle Photography 2019
My experiences have taught me to put greater focus on the things that are most important to me—my family, and my passion for telling stories as a director, choreographer, and actor. I’ve learned that life can change quickly without notice, so I try to live each day fully, doing what I love while caring for the people I love.”
Amanda’s website
©Amy Boyle Photography 2019
*** Please follow along on instagram as well and learn more about Amanda. This year for my birthday, I am embarking on a weekly photo essay project highlighting 52 Phenomenal Women. This is week 26 of 52. Participants in this project will be supporting the efforts of Dress for Success Worldwide – Central. We are all stronger together and it is my sincere hope that we will be inspired by each other’s stories. Now is the time to celebrate as well as encourage one another. Tell your story!**