PTSD after Birth

[abigail225]

I'm due in 6 weeks and absolutely terrified of being back there again. This is my third child and after I had ds2 I had the most terrifying 6 months of my life. Everyday felt like the walls were closing in on me and every moment I felt like I would die and I couldn't breathe. Without sounding like a cliché, I did have a traumatic birth and both times I had 26 hour labours.

Would an elective c-section possibly be the best route for me this time to avoid it?

Anyone been in my shoes and can offer me some advice? tia x

I had PTSD after a terrifying delivery with # 2 involving a crash cart etc. I lost 18 th months of my life before I was treated. With #3 they let me visit the labour ward beforehand and gave me as much info as possible which really helped. I was keen to do the least risky thing and decided a normal birth would be best in balance. I wanted to have a normal experience to replace the risky one and that mostly worked out. You should do what feels right to you.

Definitely speak to your midwife. I had a traumatic birth with my first, partly due to errors made by the doctor in the room. I'm 26 weeks with my second now and have been vocal about the trauma and received a lot of support as a result - a birth debrief, enhanced birth plan and emdr therapy to help process previous trauma. It's definitely worth asking what help is available, and how a plan can be made for delivery recognising the trauma you've been through.