
Warning: This post contains graphic descriptions and images of birth trauma, and may be triggering for some readers.
We were in the birthing suite. ‘Push…push…puuuush, Stephanie,’ they were all saying to me.
Importantly, thought I was doing what they asked but I NEVER felt an urge to push. When I thought I was pushing, it didn’t seem to feel any different. The pressure (not so much pain) was intense.
I felt constipated. Like I was blocked without being able to release the pressure.
Mums and non-mums answer questions about childbirth, and their answers were very different. Post continues below.
Other people (I’m guessing doctors and nurses) were still coming and going from the room. This next part felt like it all happened so suddenly (and I will never know exactly how long it was because it was never documented). I was back lying on the bed, my feet up in those stirrups – just like the movies – and legs wide open… Then in walked the registrar. She told me her name and that she was there to get baby out. My immediate thought was something was wrong with baby.
Quick, help baby come out, I thought. I don’t want anything happening to the baby.
Top Comments
This story is so similar to mine, the feelings you describe about the forceps pressure pulling and your insides wanting to gush out, I had the same. Also suffering prolapse. Thankfully I didn’t get an infection in episiotomy. Mothers get so used to being in pain and discomfort during the pregnancy that when it keeps persisting (in various forms) after birth we put up with it. But as you say it’s because a lot of medical professionals say it’s normal! But it’s not. They should inform women of the percentage of birth trauma during your antenatal classes. But they can’t do that because birth trauma to the mum isn’t even recorded!!! If they did document it, then forceps and vacuums would probably have ceased long ago and better information and support would exist for mothers. Pisses me right of too!
Conversely, they should also inform women that sometimes the baby has to be gotten out quickly and without a lot of time to reassure and counsel Mum beforehand that the expectations of her birth plan can't be met.
I have taught antenatal classes and in my experience we certainly do talk about getting baby out quickly, forceps, ventouse (vacuum), emergency c section, episiotomy/tearing etc.
I can tell you that at the end of all of that the couples look terrified and I would reassure them that I am educating them about these things because it is really important that they know and also encourage them to discuss it all with their obstetricians (private hospital).
Talking about ‘birth trauma’ at an antenatal class (as the original poster suggests) to first time pregnant women, would be potentially traumatic in itself. Also consider that what is traumatic for one woman is not traumatic for another.
Being informed and having realistic ideas about birth is probably a better idea in my opinion.
The above story is absolutely terrible and far too common. The lack of care given to this woman during the birth and after the birth is a serious problem, and women across Australia deserve better than this.