Leigh: Part 1- Braving Motherhood Amid Past Trauma, A Therapist's Tale of Resilience and Informed Consent in Childbirth

The Golden Hour Birth Podcast

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Do you ever wonder about the trials and triumphs faced by those daring to start a family amidst the profound challenges of a pandemic? Imagine battling the physical and emotional toll of pregnancy, braving the labyrinthine health system, seeking informed consent, and preparing to bring new life into this world - all while grappling with the ramifications of a childhood marred by abuse. Our guest, a courageous mental health therapist confronts these realities head-on, sharing her personal journey marked by fear, resilience, and ultimately, empowerment.
Her story unfolds with a candid exploration of her complex lineage, marked by narcissistic and abusive parents. Despite her painful past, she embraced the opportunity to redefine the narrative for her own child, bravely confronting her fears and evolving into a strong, loving parent. As she navigated her pregnancy, she confronted not just intense physical discomfort, but also the added pressures of a global pandemic and an unsupportive health system. Yet, even against these odds, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, successfully completing her licensure exam amidst these daunting challenges.
Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we scrutinize the raw realities of childbirth, particularly the significant role of informed consent and its often overlooked importance. Her experience of feeling unsupported during labor sheds light on the disconnect between healthcare professionals and expectant mothers. We also delve into the complexities of pelvic floor therapy, offering valuable insights on various delivery options. This is part 1 of 2. Join us in this enlightening episode - whether you're embarking on the journey to parenthood or seeking to understand the intricate realities involved in bringing life into this world.
See below for a few resources provided by Leigh:
Resources While Pregnant:

• Book to read while pregnant: Ever Since I Had My Baby – Roger Goldberg
• Book to read for survivors of trauma/abuse: When Survivors Give Birth – Phyllis Klaus & Penny Simkin
• A comprehensive handout on the risks of each mode of delivery: https://pqcnc-documents.s3.amazonaws.com/sivbdoc/sivbeb/8ChildbirthConnectionVaginalBirthandCesareanBirthRiskComparison.pdf
• Body Ready Method – prenatal prep for birth – https://bodyreadymethod.com/

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Bab

1. Starting a Family (00:00:00)

2. Challenges of Pregnancy During COVID (00:12:57)

3. Pregnancy and Childbirth Challenges (00:21:24)

4. Difficulties and Choices During Childbirth (00:38:51)

5. Pelvic Floor Therapy and Delivery Options (00:48:54)

6. Future Episode Suggestions and Thanking Guests (00:55:27)