After more than 20 years of infertility, six miscarriages and several failed rounds of IVF, Arvis Carmichael-Smith returns with the update she once feared would never come. When she last spoke with Eloise Drane, she was preparing for one last attempt. Now she shares how that final try became the pregnancy she had prayed for at age 51. Eloise guides Arvis through the turning points that finally brought answers, including the second opinion that uncovered the simple but long-missed issue preventing her from carrying a pregnancy. Arvis describes the cautious hope she felt as her numbers continued to rise and the joy of finally experiencing pregnancy after so much loss. The conversation shifts when Arvis recounts the medical emergency that unfolded during delivery. What began as a planned C-section became a life-threatening crisis when an undetected placenta accreta caused massive bleeding, an emergency hysterectomy and a severed ureter that left her facing months of painful recovery. Through every complication, Arvis explains how faith, community and relentless self-advocacy kept her alive. Her daughter arrived healthy. Arvis survived against all odds. “My miracle did not come without a fight.” – Arvis Carmichael-Smith Guest Bio: Arvis is a middle school science teacher with a passion for nurturing and mentoring kids. This desire sparked an interest in her becoming a teacher eight years ago. She is an advocate for children, animals, and the elderly. She also loves hiking, nature walks, and travel. Arvis lives in Hampton, Georgia with her husband and their one year old daughter. You’ll hear about: Arvis recounts two decades of infertility Why multiple miscarriages went unexplained The second opinion that changed everything Hearing rising pregnancy numbers for the first time Joy and fear throughout pregnancy Third trimester complications begin The hypertension reading that signaled danger C section unexpectedly turns into emergency Undetected placenta accreta revealed Recovery complications and ureter injury Months living with a nephrostomy bag The emotional toll of recovery Maternal health failures and being ignored Faith, advocacy and survival Episode Resources: Fertility for colored girls - https://www.fertilityforcoloredgirls.org/ Related episodes: Ep 87 – When Fertility Treatment Doesn’t Work https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-87-when-fertility-treatment-doesnt-work/ Ep 121 – Inside Modern Fertility Care — IVF, Surrogacy, Egg Donation & Family Building https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/beyond-ivf-surrogacy-egg-donation-the-future-of-fertility-care/ Ep 97 – Fertility in the Modern Age: IVF, Environmental Impacts, and Quality Care https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/ep-97-fertility-in-the-modern-age-ivf-environmental-impacts-and-quality-care/ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitycafe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fertilitycafe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fertility-cafe/ More Resources Learn more about surrogacy & fertility...