About A Gift of Miles

Like many couples, my husband and I struggled with infertility, something neither one of us ever imagined could happen. We were blessed with two sons only after complicated infertility treatments and miscarriages with each. That was my first mile to walk. Then our oldest son was diagnosed with extensive food allergies, another challenging mile to get through. But we did, and now I use those experiences to help others walk through challenging times.

My first mile
I was a marketing manager in the corporate world until my husband and I decided to start a family. To concentrate on “making a family,” I began to consult on a freelance basis. But then we were faced with infertility, and overcoming the challenge became my full-time job. From infertility treatments to adoption options, we were swimming, or possibly drowning would be a better way to describe it. Ultimately, we chose infertility treatment and, after suffering a miscarriage, 13 months later were blessed with our first son.

Our second son was even more challenging. We used even more complicated fertility treatments, had another miscarriage and, 16 months later, we were blessed once again.

I know how lucky we are, as many people who have traveled this road are not as fortunate as us. So many couples struggle with infertility and miscarriage, but it is not openly discussed. These conversations are kept in the shadows, whispered behind closed doors. As if this journey is not difficult enough, you have to bear insensitive comments such as “maybe God doesn't want you to be a mother,” which only adds to the emotional rollercoaster.

Friends and family can be good for support, but unless they've experienced the enormous financial commitment, gut-wrenching emotions, sleepless nights, drugs that wreak havoc on your body, negative pregnancy tests, miscarriages, setbacks and occasional arguments, it is hard for them to know what to say or how to relate to the situation. I walked that mile largely alone, but you don't have to. By coming to A Gift of Miles, you gain a compassionate listener and coping tools - whether for miscarriage counseling or support with other reproductive challenges.

My second mile
Our experience with child food allergies was another emotional rollercoaster. Our oldest son was diagnosed with allergies to cow's milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts. This might explain why he had eczema and frequently threw up while I was breastfeeding. You can imagine our reaction as first time parents. My role as his mother is to provide him with nourishment. But with all of his vomiting, we struggled to keep him at a healthy weight. He also had a tough time transitioning to baby food and then table food.

Now, while eating is still a struggle, we have learned a lot along the way - from being creative food preparers and proficient ingredient readers to how to keep our son healthy and safe. We continue to walk this mile.

So rather than going back to the chaotic corporate world, I started A Gift of Miles because it's my passion to help support others with these struggles. Let me help you walk your miles and give you the gift of mine.

To talk about your challenges and how I can help, contact me at kristin@agiftofmiles.com or 612.845.7585.