Motherhood after Loss for Mom of Two
By: Miranda Torres
Kambria Larry, 36, experienced deep heartbreak after having five miscarriages and losing a daughter, Brianna, at the age of 10. Still, her dream of growing her family never faded, and she knew if her future baby was going to have a fighting chance, it would be at The Women’s Hospital at Jackson Memorial.
At just 15 years old, Larry had her first miscarriage. At 18, she successfully gave birth to her first child, Brianna, after being diagnosed with cervical insufficiency, a condition that can affect the ability to carry a pregnancy full term. Unfortunately, Brianna was born with short bowel syndrome, which is when the body can’t absorb enough nutrients from foods because a part of the intestine is missing or damaged. Sadly, Brianna lost her 10-year battle with the disease in 2016.
After two late-term pregnancy losses, Larry gave birth to a son, David. Despite the emotional and physical toll losing a child took on her, she knew she was destined to have another daughter.
“When I found out I was pregnant again, I made sure to do my research and learn more about my options since I have a short cervix,” she said. “I begged and prayed to God to give me another chance at being a mom to a daughter because I knew this was my last opportunity to have a child.”
Having undergone two unsuccessful transvaginal cerclage procedures, which are supposed to help prevent the cervix from opening prematurely, and experiencing three previous Cesarean sections, Larry was referred to Dr. Liviu Cojocaru, a UHealth – University of Miami Health System maternal-fetal medicine specialist at The Women’s Hospital. It was then she learned about the transabdominal cerclage, a more effective option that involves placing a strong, synthetic band around the upper part of the cervix to support it during pregnancy.
“I was tired of losing my babies and didn’t want to endure more heartbreak,” Larry said. “When Dr. Cojocaru presented this option, I felt an immense sense of relief knowing there was still hope.”
In January 2024, Larry successfully underwent the transabdominal cerclage. On July 1, Desire Reams was born via elective Cesarean section, making Larry the mother to a baby girl once again.
“The fact that she was able to carry a pregnancy full term is very impressive,” Dr. Cojocaro said. “I was happy she made it and everything went well for her and her baby.”
After a brief stay in the Holtz Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care unit, Larry was able to take her daughter home.
“I still can’t believe that God gave me another chance at having a daughter after I was suffering for so long,” she said. “Everything on this journey was worth it to have her.”