Post pregnancy thoughts

[darlingsweetpea]

Firstly, I know this should be in another topic but posting here for traffic.

I had a rather hectic delivery of my DD 4 months ago. The delivery involved an epidural, episiotomy, forceps, loss of 1.5 litres of blood and grade 3C tear....but my baby arrived safely.

I'm really happy with my daughter and am loving every minute of being mum, however, I keep running things over in my head about the birth, remembering different things that happened that I'd forgotten, I can clearly picture myself in theatre and remember all the hustle and bustle as there was 14 medics in the room. I would also say I have flashbacks.

I don't have any major long term damage other than scarring, a weak bladder when sneezing and I've gain a skin tag.

I've seen so many consultants, midwives and physio who have all said the birth was traumatic and at the time I dealt with this well. But now I've become a little more sensitive around the issue and feel quite sad when I have the flashbacks.

Is this normal and will everything heal with time?

It sounds like PTSD. Have you talked to your health visitor about it? Congratulations on your daughter

I had birth trauma and would wake up every night not being able to breathe it was absolutely horrendous, that was close after the birth as the birth got farer away I didnt have as much panic attacks etc but the trauma manifested into anxiety. Speak to your GP and see what they can do. That's the first step!

My daughter is 3 in october and I dont think I'm traumatised by her birth any more, I've accepted it's something that I've come through, everyone is safe and I cant change it. I also have a nearly 1 year old and his birth was a planned c section so completely different than the emergency one so I think that healed me too!

Take care of yourself and enjoy your baby girl 💖

My second was a traumatic delivery (blood loss, failed vac, sepsis, the works) I felt like I'd dealt with it well at the time but I had recurring nightmares and flashbacks. Turned out it was PTSD. I was referred by the maternity hospital for EMDR and it was life-changing. Didn't make the birth any less traumatic but I can handle it now. Talk to someone - I waited a couple of years and I regret it because I knew I wasnt right quite early on.

Have you had a proper post birth debrief? I had one with the consultant and midwife about 6-8 weeks after my DDs traumatic birth and it helped. I had flashbacks for quite a while which went after a few months.
I’m now pregnant with my second though and it’s bringing a lot back so I’m thinking of getting some counselling now as I’m not sure if I dealt with it or pushed it down. Hi

Update
I saw the go today and I have been diagnosed with PTSD.thank you for your suggestions, I wouldn't have gone otherwise.