Oct. 16, 2024, 8 a.m.
"The trauma was not even acknowledged and I am still suffering" - Your Postpartum Stories
Sharing your postpartum voice - October 2024
Postpartum Matters
Thank you for joining me in this space where we come together to share and honour the powerful stories of postpartum experiences. I’m Sophie, and I work closely with Zoe - the founder and director of Postpartum Matters CIC - and together we’re passionate advocates for women’s health and well-being. In this monthly segment, I’m privileged to share the voices of women who have opened up about their journeys— their stories are filled with pain, resilience, and strength.
You can read all of the previous posts, and catch up on the entire series here:
Since starting this series, I've been moved by the hundreds of narratives we've received, each one shining a light on the often overlooked realities of postpartum care. Today, I’m sharing some of these stories with you. They’re not just about motherhood but about the broader experience of womanhood, encompassing the silent struggles and remarkable courage that often accompany it.
If you have your own story to share, I warmly invite you to contribute. You can use this Google form to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
As you read, please take care of yourself. Some of these experiences are intense, but it’s by acknowledging them that we can start pushing for the changes that are so urgently needed in postpartum care.
If you find value in these posts and the work we’re doing, we’d be deeply grateful for your support. Your contributions help keep this newsletter going and also fund the free, daily support we provide through The Women’s Health Hub. Consider becoming a paid subscriber here or making a one-off contribution here. Every bit of support helps us continue this important work.
Let’s explore these stories together…
“I had stitches following the birth of my son for a second degree tear. Around 2-4 weeks pp I felt that I wasn’t healing at the rate I should have been but had already been signed off by my midwifery team. At my little boy's 6 week check I assumed I would also be checked given I’d had stitches to such an intimate area! But when I asked I was simply told ‘we don’t do checks for mum’, feeling deflated I just accepted this.
Weeks later when things still didn’t feel right I actually had to make a doctor's appointment to have it checked. Thankfully I saw a lovely doctor who checked me properly and gave me the confidence to know all was healing as it should. That bit of reassurance was all I needed and helped me so much. I really don’t believe the aftercare in this country for postnatal women is sufficient. Luckily for me I had a fairly smooth birth and postnatal period but if I’d have had any complications I’m not sure how early they would have been picked up due to the lack of proactive care.”
“Being forced to go to the local hospital on day 2 postpartum having had a c section (or any type of delivery) was completely unacceptable. I was barely able to stand let alone walk/get in the car. Looking back this impacted both my mental and physical health.
I was grateful for the support I was given by the midwives I saw at this time (I was struggling with breastfeeding and pnd) but I had to beg for it, only got it as I was crying down the phone and had to travel to it.”
“Stop focusing on contraception and listen to what you are being told about the current pregnancy. Asking someone if they need medication for their mood without diagnosing any specific mental health issue is inappropriate.”
“I feel all medical professionals need a clear understanding of general postnatal issues following birth. After having my son two years ago I have been dealing with postnatal issues regarding my pelvic floor due to trauma following a birth and requiring internal uterus massage to stop a massive haemorrhage (for which I am very grateful they saved my life) but the trauma was not even acknowledged and I am still suffering and having to explain (from my own research) to medical professionals about the issues I face”
“I think women need longer midwifery-led care and for midwives to offer checking up on grazes/ stitches instead of the patient having to ask.
It would be nice if the midwives at hospital or community midwives explained more in depth what to expect for the next 3-6 months and what isn’t normal.”
“Consistent care is key. I spoke to a different midwife or health professional every visit”
“The six week check is lacking and dangerous in my opinion. It’s not adequate to check mothers physical or mental recovery. My episiotomy site was not checked. The main thing they are bothered about is if you want a prescription for the pill! No thanks, I’ve still got a massive wound and cry every time I poo! Hearing recently that some have been changed to phone calls rather than in person appointments is frightening”
Thank you for taking the time to engage with these stories today. Each one is a reminder of the gaps in postpartum care and the urgent need for better support systems. These aren’t just stories—they’re a call to action for all of us.
If you or someone you know is struggling postnatally, I encourage you to seek out support. The Women’s Health Hub offers a range of free resources and events to help guide you through this time. You can check out our timetable of events here. Even if the solution isn’t straightforward, we’re here to provide a safe space for you.
There are also other incredible organisations like Make Birth Better, The Birth Trauma Association, and Know Your Floors that offer crucial support. Additionally, you can make your voice heard by contacting your local MP to advocate for better postpartum care. Find out how to reach your MP here.
If these stories resonated with you, please consider sharing this post by ‘restacking’ it, or forwarding it to others who might benefit from or contribute to the conversation. Together, we can raise awareness and push for the changes that are so needed.
Your support, whether through subscribing, sharing, or simply reading, means the world to us. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Until next time,
