In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, I’m joined by Diane for a powerful and emotional retelling of her son Tommy’s birth and the long, complicated postpartum recovery that followed. What began as a smooth induction and quick delivery turned into a life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage, a diagnosis of placenta accreta, and an eventual hysterectomy, weeks after birth.

Diane walks us through the cascade of events, from being dismissed when she sensed something was wrong to advocating for the testing that ultimately revealed retained placenta with an accreta component. She shares the fear of facing major surgery, the relief of trusting her intuition, and the ways she has found healing through EMDR therapy, support groups, and reconnecting with her body.

Her story is a testament to the power of self-advocacy, the importance of listening to birthing people, and the long tail of emotional recovery after medical trauma.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
🩸 How a complication after her first birth may have been a warning sign for placenta accreta
⚠️ The postpartum hemorrhage that almost led to an emergency hysterectomy
🏥 Why she was sent to a larger trauma hospital weeks after birth
🧠 The difficult decision between a D&C and a hysterectomy, and how she knew what to choose
💬 The dismissal she faced when reporting symptoms and how she advocated for herself
🪢 The role of EMDR therapy and peer support in her healing
💪 Rebuilding trust in her body through strength and movement
🗣️ Why advocacy is now part of her recovery

Resources & Mentions:
🌐 Learn more about Placenta Accreta Spectrum: https://www.preventaccreta.org/
📚 Support group: Hysterectomy to Survive Complications of Pregnancy (Facebook)
💻 The Birth Trauma Mama Resources Page: birthtraumamama.com/resources

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and please share this episode with someone who might need to hear it.

For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.

Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.