‘She’s a fighter’: Chesterfield mother shares her long journey to parenthood

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- For wife and husband Diana and Chris Flowers, Mother's Day -- Sunday, May 11 -- is unlike any other. It's a celebration, not just of motherhood but of resilience, unwavering faith and the miracle of their daughter, Shenaya Mukisa Flowers, who arrived after a long journey.

For four long years, they navigated the pain of two miscarriages, the trauma of an ectopic pregnancy and the disappointment of a failed first In vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle tested their spirits. But last year brought a glimmer of hope: a successful pregnancy.

“Where I'm from in Uganda," Diana Flowers said. That's things they don't talk about growing up, I didn't know about women having miscarriages, IVF, until they happened to me."

However, their journey took another unexpected turn during a routine 20-week checkup in January. Doctors discovered Diana had cervical incompetence and premature rupture of membranes.

During a procedure to try and stabilize her cervix, Flowers' water broke, leading to an immediate transfer to Johnston-Willis Hospital. Their focus shifted to reaching the crucial 22-week viability mark for their unborn daughter.

"After 24, we started just having hope because we just kept telling ourselves, 'Okay, we're going to make it to 25,'" Flowers said. "We were not even looking back at that point."

The majority of Diana's pregnancy was spent within the walls of the hospital. While far from the ideal pregnancy experience, Diana and Chris leaned heavily on their faith and the support of the dedicated staff at Johnston-Willis Hospital. The mother-infant unit became their extended family, celebrating each passing week as a significant victory for their baby's chances of survival.

"They wanted us to focus on her making it," Flowers said. "I call them family because when I felt like I was going to lose hope, they came in and one by one would say, "You know, we've heard stories. It's possible."

Knowing that traditional pregnancy celebrations were unlikely, the Johnston-Willis care team went above and beyond.

Lily Cody, a nurse and photographer, arranged a heartwarming maternity photoshoot in the hospital courtyard. The care team even coordinated a baby shower at the hospital. However, baby Shenaya had her own plans, arriving just days before at 31 weeks.

Her name, Shenaya Mukisa, is significant. "Shenaya" translates to "God is gracious," and "Mukisa" means "a blessing."

“I wanted to be proud of that name because she's a fighter," Flowers said. "I wanted a name that actually had a meaning for the journey we've been through."

"She’s been living in this hospital for three to four months," Diana's husband, Chris Flowers, added. "I think we're just excited to have her home."

Shenaya is currently doing well and is expected to be discharged from the Johnston-Willis neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) soon. On Mother's Day, Diana and Chris will celebrate their first as parents alongside their little miracle.

"It was just incredible seeing her," Diana said, reflecting on Shenaya's arrival with deep emotion. "Once you finally get to see your miracle in front of you, the journey is just something that was meant to be a part of her for you to be proud of."