It’s the Easter holidays and my blog writing time is very minimal so I thought I’d take this opportunity to share a guest post I’ve wanted to put up for a while. It’s from Kerry at Mummy Thomas Blog and I love that she has shared this topic with us. Please hop over to Kerry’s blog afterwards to read more about her PTSD journey.
This is a sore subject even three years on for my husband and I. I tend to get my back up when someone asks me ‘when are you having another’ and when I reply ‘I’m not’ they ask why. I’m in a place now where I don’t go into too much detail but enough to help them understand. Some will say ‘oh gosh OK I can see why not.’ Others will say ‘I bet you give it 6 months and you will be pregnant again.’
I feel like shaking them and saying you have no bloody idea what it was like and how it still affects people that have suffered a traumatic birth and how it affects people that have been diagnosed with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
I know people mean well and some truly don’t understand. But being a bit more sensitive would help. This was the worst and happiest day of our lives. We got our baby girl. But I nearly died in the process. Even the thought of having unprotected sex is frightening. Never mind the thought of getting pregnant again.
We made the decision to not have another baby because of the possibility of having to have IVF again and then possibly another rough pregnancy and birth.
We couldn’t face it again.
I know some women that have had an awful birth and went on to have a second child and the birth was fine. They felt happier as they got to have the experience they didn’t the first time. It brought them peace.
What are your thoughts on this? Is this a subject that you have struggled to talk to your partner about?
I was sceptical to talk about it at first. We always said we wanted two. I was worried that because I was so set against it that if he wanted another he may leave me. But I’m glad we talked it through and that we are on the same page. I sometimes sit and think, aw I’d love another. When I look at mums enjoying their newborn babies. The clothes that are around. I think about how I never got to experience that and I admit I am envious of them. It hurts. I feel a loss and disappointment. Like I’ve been cheated.
I also sit and can’t imagine loving another child as much as I do my little girl. After what it took to get pregnant and then the pregnancy and traumatic birth I worry that if I had another I may not get pregnant. I couldn’t go through the IVF again and the worry of carrying to full term. Let alone worrying about nearly dying again after giving birth. She would be left without a mother.
It’s something that goes through my mind alot. I almost have a conversation with myself. I feel guilty at times as she’s an only child. But I remember that she is loved and that I can give her everything I can.
Just know that you are not the only mother or father that feels this way. No matter what you decide there is no wrong or right decision. Just a decision that you both have to be happy with. Do what is best for you. Try your best to let people’s comments go over your head or picture the incredible hulk launching them into space. Always a good thought, ha!
Be kind to yourself.
Don’t feel guilty.
Your amazing, brave and strong.
Author Bio
Kerry is a mother to a beautiful two-year-old girl, she blogs and write about all things mental health and parenting.
In sharing her personal fight against birth trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Postnatal Depression (PND) her intent is to raise the awareness for others like us. She share the ups and downs of being a parent in the hope new parents can be better prepared along the way, with openness and honesty.
She also loves to write about the things her family love to do together and share their adventures, good and bad. Read more from Kerry at Mummy Thomas Blog.
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