Couple celebrates long but successful journey to parenthood

Diana and Chris Flowers had been on a long journey to start their family. After trying to conceive for four years, going through in vitro fertilization, and navigating multiple losses – they were elated to learn that they finally had a successful pregnancy last year.

But when the Richmond couple went for a routine 20-week checkup in January, Diana’s doctor found that she had cervical incompetence and premature rupture of membranes.

After her water broke during a procedure to try and close her cervix, Diana was transferred to Johnston-Willis Hospital with hopes of reaching 22 weeks so the pregnancy would still be viable.

Unexpectedly spending the majority of her pregnancy in the hospital was not ideal, Diana said, but through their faith and with the support of the Johnston-Willis Hospital staff - they remained positive.

Their care team on the mother infant unit celebrated each week, as it meant a better chance of survival for their baby.

“They wanted us to focus on her making it,” Diana said.

As Chris and Diana realized they likely wouldn’t be able to celebrate their pregnancy in a traditional way, the care team stepped in.

One Johnston-Willis Hospital colleague who is also a photographer arranged for a maternity shoot in the hospital courtyard, providing outfits for Diana and taking the photos.

“I showed her maternity dresses I had, and she picked out her two favorites. Her family came to do her hair and makeup, and we went out into the hospital courtyard and took her photos. You could tell she was really excited about it, and it made her feel good,” said Lily Cody, a nurse on the care team. 

“You just kind of get to know them – they all become our family, the ones who stay for a long time,” Cody said. “It’s just nice to make them feel happier. We just wanted to do something special for them.”

And when Diana reached the third trimester, the team came in with sparkling juice to toast to the milestone.

“I have a family here now. These were the right people, right time and right place,” Diana said.

The care team also coordinated with the couple to have their baby shower at the hospital, but their daughter arrived just days before, successfully making it to 31 weeks.

Aptly named Shenaya Mukisa, which translates to “God is gracious” and “a blessing,” their daughter’s name symbolizes the faith Diana and Chris had throughout their journey and the gift of finally having their daughter.

Shenaya is doing well and is expected to be discharged soon. Diana and Chris Flowers celebrated Mother’s Day with her in the NICU on Sunday.

“It’s a story that we’re going to be so proud to share,” Diana said, “and that we hope she’s going to be proud to share with her friends.”