Emily Johnston, a labor and delivery nurse, doula, and IBCLC lactation consultant, shares her insightful insights on the postpartum journey. She discusses the emotional turmoil mothers often face after traumatic births and the importance of seeking support. Personal stories reveal the need for validation and the healing power of therapy. Johnston highlights the struggles of physical recovery and the delicate balance of celebrating wins while facing challenges. The conversation underscores the significance of self-care and maintaining identity as new parents.
The emotional impact of a traumatic birth experience is profound, necessitating therapy and support to foster healing and validation.
Physical recovery in the postpartum period is intricate, highlighting the vital roles of prioritizing mental health and seeking professional help like pelvic floor therapy.
Deep dives
Navigating Emotional Trauma Postpartum
The speaker recounts the emotional challenges faced in the immediate postpartum period, detailing feelings of pain and trauma following a difficult birth. Despite being a healthcare professional with extensive knowledge of childbirth, the experience left her feeling broken and guilty, prompting her to seek therapy right after returning home. Proactive steps, such as joining a birth trauma support group, played a critical role in processing her feelings and seeking validation for her experience. The importance of being heard and acknowledged by both healthcare providers and loved ones emerged as a key theme, highlighting the need for empathetic support during such vulnerable times.
The Impact of Unsupportive Comments
The influence of well-meaning yet dismissive comments made by others post-birth is discussed, emphasizing how statements like 'at least you have a healthy baby' can feel invalidating to those who have experienced trauma. The speaker reflects on her need for validation and how supportive words from trauma-informed individuals made a significant difference in her healing journey. She shares that encountering a community with similar experiences provided her with the opportunity to process emotions that others failed to acknowledge. The contrast between genuine support and dismissive reassurances showcases the complex emotional landscape many mothers encounter post-delivery.
Physical Recovery and Its Challenges
The physical recovery phase was marked by immense pain and discomfort, which the speaker describes as feeling akin to being hit by a car. Specific issues like incontinence added to the distress, causing significant concern about her recovery trajectory. However, she emphasizes the importance of prioritizing sleep and mental health, noting how her husband’s supportive role in navigating early motherhood fostered a healthier environment. By gradually reclaiming her strength and seeking pelvic floor therapy, she highlights the ongoing process of healing both physically and emotionally in the postpartum period.
Shifting Perspectives on Future Births
The speaker contemplates the effects of her traumatic birthing experience on her perspective regarding future pregnancies and deliveries. While initially feeling overwhelmed by the thought of going through it all again, she acknowledges the growth in empathy and motivation she gained from her journey. The idea of potentially giving birth again sparks a complicated mix of emotions, reflecting on the challenges faced and the desire for a different, more empowered experience. This nuanced outlook emphasizes the complexity of recovery and acceptance as she navigates her identity as both a mother and a professional in the birthing field.
In the last of this three part series, labor and delivery nurse Emily Johnston discusses her experience with the postpartum period. She's also a birth and postpartum doula and an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) dh to try.
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