Shahs of Sunset star Mercedes Javid (MJ) was overjoyed to have her first child, Shams Francis, in April. As a result of the high-risk nature of her son’s birth, however, MJ will not be able to carry another child. The star recently shared a stunning black and white maternity shoot photo, captioning the image with some of the raw details of her pregnancy and birthing experience.
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“Since I can never carry a baby again,” MJ’s caption begins, “I’m extremely grateful to those who made sure I had this shoot, and keep this memory forever. My body is still healing from pregnancy, my heart is fragile and vulnerable.”
MJ continues: “I wish I had the compassion I have now, as a new mom, all of my life. But now I am learning to have a deeper appreciation about why growth in life is such an important gift. I want to be better, and stronger. Lately, most days are a challenge.”
MJ and her husband, Tommy Feight, went through IVF to get pregnant with Shams, who was born via cesarean section. In a statement shared with People, MJ’s rep confirmed that she had been admitted into the intensive care unit during labor. “The delivery was extremely difficult and Mercedes’ family was very worried for her, as there were multiple complications.”
MJ later shared that she had to have cervical cerclage surgery after doctors found her cervix was too small, which can lead to a higher risk of miscarriage.
Though the birth was quite traumatic, Shams was born happy and healthy. In the weeks following his birth, MJ shared images of the happy family on Instagram.
We wish Mercedes Javid well on her motherhood journey and thank her for sharing this emotional post about her pregnancy and labor. It’s another reminder that we aren’t in this alone.