post-birth debriefing: how do you arrange one?

[SuiGeneris]

That's it really. DS was born 13 months ago after a 27-hour labour ending in theatre with ventouse (failed) and then forceps. I had a massive PPH (probably due to the forceps grabbing and ripping a blood vessel) and essentially was out for much of the first hour of DS's life. DH was terrified of leaving the OR with only one of us. Aftercare was not v good.

We are all fine now but the prospect of going through it again is quite daunting (to say the least). I have read my notes but think I would probably benefit from a debrief. How does one organise it, please?

Those of you who had one: did it help?

You can have councolling if you feel it would help. After a tramatic birth with my 2nd child, I thought I was fine until I was pregnant with my 3rd. I had councilling and felt it helped put everything into perspective. I simply asked my doctor to refer me.

Haven't heard of a post-birth debriefing.

My health visitor arranged mine for me, if they don't do the arranging they will certainly have the number you need to call

I just rang the birthing centre and arranged one with them. However, I then had to get my GP to refer me to the consultant at the hospital where I was transferred after the birth for stitching, which was a nightmare as I had to chase up the appointment for three months! Got there in the end though.

It was definitely worth speaking to the consultant as she reassured me things will be different at any potential future births, and the thought of having another DC now no longer fills me with dread...

I'd call the hospital to ask what the procedure there is and then see your GP for the referral. My hospital have a postnatal counselling clinic for debriefs but as I was under consultant care anyway, my GP felt I should see that consultant so he rang the consultant's secretary and got them to book me an appointment - it's this Thursday.