We know Tova Leigh as one of the funniest mum bloggers out there, but did you know that her cheery and hilarious disposition comes from a near-death experience?
The doting mother has opened up about the traumatic birth of her twin girls, and her battle with pre-eclampsia.
Recalling the worst part of her experience, she set the scene in a Facebook post: “I am lying in a hospital bed in the intensive care unit after giving birth to my twins, at 35 weeks and three days.
“My blood pressure is 240 over 120, and my whole body is shaking. I have lost control of my muscles and I can’t speak.
“Three doctors rush into the room and stick an IV in my arm. I am now being pumped with drugs in a desperate attempt to reduce my blood pressure which is out of control.
“I can’t see a white light, but I know I am about to die.”
Tova was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia at 28 weeks pregnant. She was immediately admitted to hospital, where she spent the next two months.
At the 35-week mark, Tova – who already had a two-year-old daughter at home – gave birth to twins Dina and Ally via C-section.
Later that night, however, she ‘entered the world of eclampsia’ and lost complete control of her body.
With her blood pressure skyrocketing, Tova fully believed that she was about to die. When she thought of leaving her husband and children behind, she began to focus on positive thoughts – and, miraculously, she survived.
“It’s the longest night of my life, and although the worst is seemingly behind me, I know that the real challenge is yet to come.
“In a few days, I am allowed to go home with my babies and ‘life in the fast lane’ of parenthood (to three kids) begins.
"From that point on I decided that humour shall be my secret weapon and positive thinking my shield."
Judging from the comments, there are plenty of women out there who have been in Tova’s shoes and can relate to her experience.
She was inundated with message of support, with fellow mums sharing their own experiences.
Did you suffer with pre-eclampsia? Did you ever endure a similar experience? Let us know.
