We are back with the birth stories series and welcome Lauren who has a crazy story about living and giving birth in Saipan.  Where is that you ask?  It’s a very small island (however the biggest of the Northern Marianas) near Guam and giving birth there meant her access to an epidural during birth was NOT available unless she was having a c-section - she wasn’t.  She spoke about the struggles of a natural birth, dealing with multiple typhoons wiping out her homes (!!!) and wanting her daughter to feel connected to this beautiful island.  A photographer by day and a badass mom by night (more like 24/7), she opened up about what it was like giving birth with no family (aside from her husband) and only a couple of friends on the island.  Lauren suffers from depression and was determined to learn about PPD as much as she could before birth to try and be as prepared as possible.  She shared how she worked through that and why she didn’t announce her pregnancy on social media. 

Laurens Instagram - @lbensonphotography

Online Support Meetings: 

https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/

Support Groups:

 https://www.postpartumdepression.org/support/groups/

https://postpartumwell.com/free-online-group/

https://www.scbp.ca/workshop/postpartum-drop-in-group

Have a story, want to be featured in one of our episodes, or just want to say Hi?  E-mail us at [email protected].

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Your Podcasters:

KELLY: https://www.instagram.com/kellrab/

BRITTANY: https://www.instagram.com/brittmarieyt/

**For sponsorships and endorsements e-mail Rene Girard: [email protected]