Content Warning: trauma, NICU stay, c-section, anxiety, challenges with nursing, grief
Sydney shares her story of having her first baby and experiencing a NICU stay with him. Sydney talks honestly and openly about the challenges she faced when welcoming her baby into the world. Sydney discusses the delivery, the experience of baby going to the NICU, how traumatic that was for her and how that experience impacted her mental and physical health. Sydney also talks about her challenges with nursing and the grief she experienced as a result of how her story unfolded.
Highlights:
1:16 – Sydney shares what the lead up to the delivery was like
2:11 – C-section delivery
6:36 - Worked with bereaved families and families in NICU previously
8:34 - Social norms of the NICU
10:11 – Discussing NICU experiences and not wanting to hear other trauma stories
15:10 – Sydney felt they were traumatized from their NICU stay
18:24 – Fear and anxiety around baby’s health
20:23 - Impact of all the stress on Sydney’s recovery; including challenges with nursing and high blood pressure
24:56 – Anxiety and losing trust in our parenting following traumatic experiences
38:32 - Grief
56:30 - Sebastian’s 1st birthday
Resources mentioned in this episode:
You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at info@perinatalwellbeing.ca and I can help you find support in your area or online.
Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory.
You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com .