When I talk to people about their birth experiences, I try to be sensitive. Some women are so proud of their birth story, even if everything was different than they had planned on it being. Some women are disappointed with the process of their birth, even if the overall outcome was good. Or even if it seems to others that it was a "good birth," some women may have experienced it differently.
Women desire different things for themselves as they journey through labor; it is my job to support them through that, no matter what those choices are. But when you have had an experience that was difficult or traumatic, it is essential to process through those feelings before the next baby comes. Sometimes, as the next labor approaches, families that have felt they already dealt with the birth trauma may see it begin to crop up again. This is pretty normal. It is also important to pay attention to.
A local class, taught by Susan Lane (MA, CD, LCCE, CLC) and Suzanne Swanson (PhD), is available to equip mothers and fathers to embrace a new experience. It is called, very appropriately, "Another Birth, Another Story." While a past birth may not have gone as expected or planned, another birth later on has the potential to be a completely different experience. I firmly believe that while there are cases when mothers and baby's have special medical needs, very often when the mother and baby are healthy, great outcomes can be acheived with the appropriate birth space, provider, and support team. Another component to that is being emotionally and mentally prepared. This class equips couples to release trauma, rebuild confidence, reclaim their birth, and reinforce intimate partnership. It meets over the course of a few evenings, and the next class series will be held July 26, 29, and August 2.
If you have had a traumatic or difficult birth experience, I would highly recommend taking a class like this, as well as potentially seeking professional counseling to work through the trauma. We can carry trauma deeply within us, and it can creep back up on us if we are not intentionally seeking help and support from professionals who are trained in these areas. If you have any questions about Another Birth, Another Story, please contact Susan at salane@visi.com (Please state the class title in the subject line of the email.) or call 612.810.1544. Registration is $150 per couple.
2 comments:
Hope, you helped me realize this after Cole's C section that I ha work to do to get through that. I'm not sure I ever told you how helpful and very needed that was. And then I had William and while it wasn't perfect, it was the best delivery of them all. Thank you!!
I am so glad that you were able to process through that! It can be very challenging and sometimes even overwhelming to work through those previous birth experiences. I am so happy for you that you were able to have a better birth experience this time around : ) Keep sharing your story with other moms-- birth trauma can be so devastating, and for some mom's they feel like they can't even share their story with others for fear of being judged. It is so sad that moms have to deal with that kind of pressure!
Thanks Karissa, that is really sweet!!
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