In today's episode, I speak with Laura on the podcast as she shares the story of her first birth. During pregnancy, Laura was managing hyperthyroidism and was later diagnosed with low PAPP-A, which led to increased monitoring and concerns around her baby’s growth and fluid levels. As her pregnancy progressed, she was advised to have an NHS hospital induction, marking a significant shift from the birth she had initially hoped for.
Laura talks openly about navigating the “high-risk” label, multiple appointments, and the emotional weight of being told induction was strongly recommended. She shares her experience of a prolonged hospital induction, the use of the hormone drip, an epidural that left her struggling to feel how to push, and ultimately an assisted forceps birth.
We also discuss the impact of COVID restrictions during her postnatal stay, the challenges of breastfeeding following a previous breast reduction, and the emotional aftermath of a birth that left her feeling more relief than euphoria. Laura reflects on consent, communication, and the importance of feeling heard and supported during labour.
This episode explores medical complexity, induction, assisted delivery, and the early postnatal period as well as the long-lasting emotional impact of a first birth that didn’t go to plan.
This episode reflects personal experience and is not medical advice.
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