Maternity debrief

[Newhere9]

I have a maternity debrief appointment upcoming in the NHS (currently 6 months PP). Anyone have any advice/tips on things to prep? Thanks in advance

I didn’t have a maternity debrief but had a birth debrief at 5 months PP and got a lot out of it, it finally let me move on, although I don’t think this is the case for everyone. I think if you remember they are there to give you factual information and can’t act as therapist/counsellor, that’s a good basis to begin. I took time to reflect on my feelings and the things I didn’t understand about how my birth went, and wrote down all of the questions that came up in me. So, I had that on hand and worked through them on the day (crossed many out as in conversation about one question, others were naturally answered.)

is there a certain part of your experience you’re looking to find out more about?

I also took time to prepare myself for hearing anything that might be difficult… what was the worth thing they could tell me? How would I handle, accept and move on if I hear that? It’s pretty unlikely you’ll hear your “worst thing” but preparing for it is a good way to feel shielded and in control walking in, especially if anything about your experience has left you with a sense of lack of control.

Wishing you the very best 🩷

Great advice above, would also add you should make sure to take someone you trust with you, it will make it easier to ensure you get through all of your questions and help also to remember what’s been said.

I’ve had two of these and both were very helpful; I prepared questions I had and also had a notebook to write these in and any answers. It’s worth thinking about what you’re hoping to get from it. With one I had questions she couldn’t answer but then followed it up with my consultant.
Also after schedule time in for processing it; I got a hot chocolate and went for a walk after one of mine and it was a lot to have it brought back

Thank you all so much for your helpful responses. I have mine Tuesday and hoping it will be useful to process the event. Sorry I did mean birth debrief in the title rather than maternity.

Intrigued to see if helps me to have some closure on it...