Bringing a baby into the world is a journey filled with emotions and changes. It’s a time when people usually feel happy and excited. But sometimes, giving birth doesn’t go well, and it can be a really hard experience. This can leave parents with lasting emotions. These emotions and thoughts can make it scary to think about having more children.
In this podcast episode, we’ll talk about giving birth after a traumatic birth and how to recover with the help of Rosie Pajak, a Perinatal Clinical Psychologist with many years experience supporting families after birth trauma. We’ll talk about the problems, share some useful tips, and show you how to heal and feel strong again.
What Is a Traumatic Birth?
A traumatic birth is when having a baby is really distressing, scary, or feels like it’s out of control. It leaves deep marks on parents, not just in their bodies but in their feelings and thoughts. It’s not just about the physical difficulties during birth, like pain or problems. It’s about many things that can make the birth really hard.
This might include issues like complications, when doctors have to help more than expected, or when the baby doesn’t come out as planned. It can also happen when parents don’t get the support they need, or when they feel like they are in danger. Traumatic births can be different for each person, and what’s really scary for one person might not be the same for someone else.
What Is the Recovery Process After a Traumatic Birth?
Birth trauma can come in different ways. Sometimes it’s because of unexpected medical help or when parents feel like they lost control. It can make parents not want to have more children, and this is where healing can start.
Rosie Pajak, who knows a lot about this, will share important ideas and suggestions to help parents on this difficult path. She’s an expert in helping parents, and she works with the Birth Healing Collective.
Challenges When Giving Birth Again After Trauma
Getting better can be tough, and deciding to have another child can be hard too. Many parents are scared of going through a tough birth again. Studies have shown that those who had a difficult birth are less likely to have more children and may wait longer before having another baby.
Useful Tips and Tricks to Help With the Recovery Journey
- Choosing the Right Place to Give Birth: When you plan for your next birth, it’s really important to think about where you’ll feel safe. Some parents choose a hospital because it has doctors and medicine if there’s a problem, and that makes them feel safe. Others might pick a different place that feels right for them. Feeling comfortable is really important.
- Talking and Listening: Having more talks and getting more information from doctors during birth can make it feel less scary. When you know what’s happening and why, it can help you feel more in control.
- Stand Up for Yourself: It’s powerful to speak up for yourself during birth. It might be hard, but knowing what you can ask for and how to say it is really important.
A Positive Birth Experience After Trauma Is Possible
With the right support and help, parents can become more confident and have control over their birth experiences. Giving birth after a traumatic birth is a tough journey, but it can lead to healing, feeling strong, and being happy again. Rosie Pajak and the Birth Healing Collective are here to help parents have a better birth experience after a tough one.
** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.
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Episode Links
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Previous episode with Dr Rosie Pajak: https://www.fitnestmama.com/podcast/birth-trauma-we-need-to-talk-about-it/
Rosie’s Instagram: @birth_healing_collective
Rosie’s Website: www.thebirthhealingcollective.com/better-birth
Free guide : 5 ways to prepare for your next birth: www.thebirthhealingcollective.com/prepare
