Processing a difficult birth

Space for your birth story

A difficult birth can still affect how you feel long after delivery. Perhaps you feel disappointment, sadness, anger, or confusion. Perhaps you don't know how to talk about it or feel misunderstood.

At We Care Academy, we believe every birth story deserves attention. Even when it didn't go as you had hoped.

When a birth is experienced as difficult

A difficult birth can take various forms:

• a very long or painful delivery
• unexpected complications
• an emergency caesarean
• feeling that your wishes were not respected
• a delivery that went very differently from your birth plan
• fear or panic during delivery

Processing takes time

It is normal for processing a difficult birth to take time. In the beginning, you are mainly focused on your baby and your new life. But at some point, the feelings surrounding the birth may surface.

Give yourself permission to feel what you feel. There is no time limit for processing.

What can help

• talk about your experience with someone who listens without judging
• request a follow-up conversation with your midwife or gynaecologist
• write down your birth story
• seek professional help if the feelings remain overwhelming
• know that it is okay to ask for help

At We Care Academy, you will find information and support to give your birth story a place. You deserve to be heard.