In this Birth Story Friday, Victoria, shares her journey of an epidural hospital birth where her baby needed NICU support due to meconium aspiration. Victoria bravely shares about her battle with postpartum anxiety and depression, including how medication became a crucial part of her recovery. Gina shares her own personal experience with postpartum mood disorders, and our hopes to change the stigma around postpartum mental health so everyone who needs help feels confident in getting it! 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:08 Understanding Postpartum Anxiety and Depression

03:04 Personal Experiences with Postpartum Anxiety

04:26 Importance of Therapy and Medication

06:09 Victoria's Birth Story: Pregnancy and Preparation

09:40 Victoria's Birth Story: Labor and Delivery

15:07 Victoria's Birth Story: Postpartum Experience

21:18 The Decision to Get an Epidural

22:08 The Birth Process and Initial Challenges

23:47 The Unexpected NICU Journey

25:09 Coping with the Emotional Impact of NICU

26:04 Breastfeeding and Bonding in the NICU

27:53 The Transition Home and Postpartum Struggles

29:53 The Battle with Postpartum Anxiety

37:04 The Turning Point: Medication and Improvement

39:27 Reflections and Advice for Others

43:06 Closing Remarks and Further Support

For Our Other Content On Postpartum Mood Disorders:

Check out Birth Story 19, where Holly Navigates Postpartum Psychosis Here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mamastefit-podcast/episodes/Birth-Story-19-Hollys-Unmedicated-Birth-and-Postpartum-Psychosis-e28tvo0

And Read These Blogs:

Overcome Postpartum Mood Disorders: https://mamastefit.com/overcome-postpartum-mood-disorders-3-struggles/

When to Seek Help: https://mamastefit.com/postpartum-9-reasons-to-seek-help/

Processing Birth Trauma and Disappointment with Dr. Berlin: https://mamastefit.com/guide-to-overcoming-trauma-with-dr-alyssa-berlin/