In this Birth Story Friday, Victoria, shares her journey of an epidural hospital birth where her baby needed NICU support due to meconium aspiration. Victoria bravely shares about her battle with postpartum anxiety and depression, including how medication became a crucial part of her recovery. Gina shares her own personal experience with postpartum mood disorders, and our hopes to change the stigma around postpartum mental health so everyone who needs help feels confident in getting it!
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:08 Understanding Postpartum Anxiety and Depression
03:04 Personal Experiences with Postpartum Anxiety
04:26 Importance of Therapy and Medication
06:09 Victoria's Birth Story: Pregnancy and Preparation
09:40 Victoria's Birth Story: Labor and Delivery
15:07 Victoria's Birth Story: Postpartum Experience
21:18 The Decision to Get an Epidural
22:08 The Birth Process and Initial Challenges
23:47 The Unexpected NICU Journey
25:09 Coping with the Emotional Impact of NICU
26:04 Breastfeeding and Bonding in the NICU
27:53 The Transition Home and Postpartum Struggles
29:53 The Battle with Postpartum Anxiety
37:04 The Turning Point: Medication and Improvement
39:27 Reflections and Advice for Others
43:06 Closing Remarks and Further Support
For Our Other Content On Postpartum Mood Disorders:
Check out Birth Story 19, where Holly Navigates Postpartum Psychosis Here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mamastefit-podcast/episodes/Birth-Story-19-Hollys-Unmedicated-Birth-and-Postpartum-Psychosis-e28tvo0
And Read These Blogs:
Overcome Postpartum Mood Disorders: https://mamastefit.com/overcome-postpartum-mood-disorders-3-struggles/
When to Seek Help: https://mamastefit.com/postpartum-9-reasons-to-seek-help/
Processing Birth Trauma and Disappointment with Dr. Berlin: https://mamastefit.com/guide-to-overcoming-trauma-with-dr-alyssa-berlin/