If you’re a regular reader, you’re probably aware of the fact that I started blogging after having a traumatic birth with Sausage, and wanted a place to express myself. I was in the midst of PND and PTSD and having a way to just chatter away about all the things in my head provided really good therapy for me. I was thinking today about ways that you can help yourself after having a traumatic birth, and I thought I’d share some of them with you today.
Find an Outlet
For me, it was writing, but for other people it might be exercise, dancing, singing, painting – anything that helps you to take a break from horrible thoughts and gives you a way to pour yourself into something else. I’m a bit of a bottler when it comes to talking about my feelings, but I find it comes much easier to me when I write.
Hold Someone Accountable
For us, it was really important to get some justice for what happened to Sausage, because we know it was due to negligence on the part of the hospital, so seeking compensation seemed like a logical step. Companies like Your Legal Friend can help you to seek compensation for brain injuries and it will usually never cost you a penny, regardless of whether you win or lose.
Find People who ‘Get It’
I was really lucky to find, through blogging, a whole load of people who had been through similar things and so could relate to how I was feeling. My friend Susanne and I even set up a blog called ‘Maternity Matters’ together, so that we could write about all things related to maternity issues in the hope of helping people like ourselves.
Get Some Professional Help
There is absolutely no shame in admitting that you need some help, whether that’s talking therapy or medication, and I highly recommend going to your GP to see if there’s anything they can offer. Often, trauma can stay with us for a long time if we don’t do something to work past it, and the last thing you want is it rearing its ugly head when you least expect it.
Have a Debrief
Most hospitals offer the opportunity to have a meeting with your midwife or consultant, who can go over your notes with you and explain exactly what went wrong and why, and I wish this was something I’d done. Having a professional explain things to you might just give you some clarity on the situation and give you a clue as to what you want to do next.