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Natalie Hayden

Natalie Hayden, 39, is a former TV news anchor and reporter living in the Midwest. Her mission in life is to be an advocate for those battling inflammatory bowel disease and to show that a chronic illness doesn’t have to dull your sparkle. Natalie was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in July 2005, two months after graduating from college. After several hospitalizations, countless medications and flare ups, she underwent bowel resection surgery in August 2015.

Lights, Camera, Crohn’s covers everything from overcoming struggles to celebrating small victories throughout all parts of the patient journey from diagnosis and beyond. Natalie enjoys sharing stories about pregnancy and motherhood in hopes of comforting and empowering others. Stay tuned for weekly articles every Monday.

Along with her blog, Natalie is on the Advisory Board for IBD Moms, part of IBD Social Circle (#IBDSC), a Patient Leader for WEGO Health, and a contributor to Everyday Health, Healthy Women, the IBD Healthline app, Mamas Facing Forward, and IBD Moms. She is also an active volunteer and spokesperson for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, specifically the Mid-America Chapter. She was nominated for and won the Community Cultivator Award for the Social Health Awards as a credit to all she does to support and guide those with IBD.

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Reflecting on Motherhood & Crohn’s: Year One
Reflecting on Motherhood & Crohn’s: Year One

Reflecting on Motherhood & Crohn's: Year One

Parenthood is daunting, no matter what, especially your first time around. Throw in an unpredictable, often debilitating condition and tackling the role is even more challenging.

Real Women, Real Stories

Natalie Hayden is a #teamHealthyWomen Contributor and this post is part of HealthyWomen's Real Women, Real Stories series.


One year ago, my life changed in the best possible way. I became a mom. But, not any mom. A mom with chronic illness. Parenthood is daunting, no matter what, especially your first time around. Throw in an unpredictable, often debilitating condition and tackling the role is even more challenging.

In talking with fellow women who battle inflammatory bowel disease, there always seems to be a hesitation, a concern and self-doubt about the prospect of carrying a baby. I totally get that mentality. It's almost inconceivable to imagine your body—the same body that brings you so much anguish—creating a miracle.

Becoming a mom one year ago restored my self-love.

Becoming a mom has enabled me to see all that I'm capable of, even when I'm weighed down by fatigue. Becoming a mom has made every poke and prod, injection, and procedure less of a pain—because now I have so much more to fight for.

When I stare at that focal point on the wall as a needle breaks my skin, or when getting out of bed for the day is a struggle, I immediately think of my darling Reid. This is the boy who changed my life, who shook my world and who shows me every single day that my illness didn't rob me of experiencing the most perfect gift.

Mom guilt is real. If you're a mom with a chronic illness, instead of focusing on your limitations—or when the next flare-up could happen—soak in the moments of joy you feel and the happiness your innocent sweet child displays on a daily basis. Know that focusing on your needs and practicing self-care is paramount because by feeding your soul and lowering your stress, you are protecting your health for the sake of being there for your family.

As patients, we evolve. As people we grow. Each chapter of our lives matters and is part of our story. Embrace the good and even the bad—because it brought you to where you are today. Pain and flares are fleeting and as we all know, so is youth. Our babies grow up so fast, we must hold the feel-good moments close and not dwell on past hurt or what could happen tomorrow.

Someday, when my sweet boy is older, he will understand that mommy isn't like the rest. But my hope is that he'll realize what an integral role and life-changing impact he's had on me since the moment I held him in my arms for the first time.

As we sang "Happy Birthday" and my son played with his smash cake, I thanked God for keeping me out of the ER and hospital for Reid's entire first year of life. I thanked God for showing me that my patient journey is about a lot more than just me—it's about my whole family. And there's no one I'd rather stay strong or fight for, than them.

A version of this article originally appeared on Lights Camera Crohn's.

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