SHE WAS THE BEST SURPRISE EVER!
After losing weight, Charlotte Wheeler-smith, 33, was ready to make her dream of motherhood come true
The first time I stepped on the scales at a Slimming World group, I carried a secret target in my heart that couldn’t be measured in stones and pounds. I weighed 27st and I couldn’t even look at a photo of myself without crying.
I wanted to start loving myself, so I might find someone who loved me and fulfil my dream of starting a family.
Right now, even if I did meet Mr Right, with my periods practically non-existent, I was convinced that I’d never get pregnant anyway.
MAKING CHANGES
I threw myself into Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan and as my weight dropped, I felt confident enough to try a dating app.
What’s more, my periods had become regular, giving me hope of becoming a mum.
In 2017, after I’d lost 15st, I met Dominic through the app, and even though he lived in Amsterdam we started a relationship and I knew he was a keeper.
In 2020, Dominic was hospitalised with COVID, and when he was discharged I travelled to Amsterdam to help him recuperate.
A few days later, I started having cramps, and thinking it was my period, I just got on with it.
After a while, though, I still didn’t feel right, so I called a doctor, who told me it was irritable bowel syndrome.
‘A FEW DAYS LATER, I GOT STOMACH CRAMPS’
Dominic had nipped out when a wave of pain gripped me and I ran to the loo.
I felt a pop and a gush of water, then I saw something that looked like an umbilical cord.
NEW LIFE
I texted Dominic and said, ‘I think
I’m having a baby!’ Dominic got home to find me in labour, and before we knew it I’d given birth to a baby girl.
She wasn’t breathing, so Dominic had to perform CPR while we waited for the paramedics, then later, in hospital, she was given a clean bill of health.
The doctor said she’d only survived because I was fit enough to deliver her very quickly.
As I stared at our beautiful little girl, I could barely believe
I was a mum.
I’d had no baby bump and my periods had been as regular as clockwork.
Now Evelyn is two, we’re living in the UK and I’ve joined my local Slimming World group.
GROUP SUPPORT
I gained weight after having Evelyn, and found I missed the emotional and practical support of a group when I was in Amsterdam.
I call them my Friday family! Getting fitter and healthier has given me the life I’d always dreamt of, and I’d love the same healthy, happy future for Evelyn.
✣ Charlotte is a member of Rachael Perks’ Slimming World group in Stratfordupon-avon. For more information on Slimming World and finding your local group, visit slimmingworld.co.uk