Hi ladies,

As you may have read, I am the new CL on this board. I know this is one of those boards that no one really wants to join. We all hope for pain-free, 3 hour labours where a baby just slips out effortlessly, and so, to be here, on Birth Trauma is not really something we aspire to.

We've all got through labour or delivery, some of us are recovered from our trauma, while some of us have a long way to go, but I thought it would be nice to have a quick roll call and see who's here. Lurkers, please post, and any graduates, I'd love it if you could pop in and say hello. So if everyone adds their name, and a few details about themselves we'd be off to a great start. You need only add as much info as you feel confident with....

Thanks :)

Name?

Age?

Brief History?

What are you proud of in your life?

Name? Lou

Age? 28

Brief History? I had DS in Aug 2006, after 3 x failed vacuum attempts, episiotomy, extended to 3rd degree tear, small post-partum haem, and very charmingly physiotherapy for incontience. I can talk lightly about it now, but it was easily the worst time of my life when it should have been the happiest. I also developed PTSD And PND. It took almost 2 years to feel anything near 'normal'

What are you proud of in your life? Like any mum I am very proud of my children, but I am also proud of starting my own business.

Feel free to add anything else you would like to.

Zoe

23

I had a little boy in may 2009, i had to be incuded due to pre eclampsia... baby was born with cord round his neck and not breathing, i wouldn't stop bleeding and baby ended up in neonatal... traumatic 10 day stay in hospital and extremely stressful leading up to the birth, finding it v hard to deal with and accept what has happened so much so i don't know if i will have any more children.. i posted my v long story a week or so ago...

I'm so proud of my amazing little boy... I'm also proud of myself for standing up for myself and standing my ground against a rude, ignorant and patronising doctor when i was admitted to hospital... (only just realised how proud i am of myself for doing that and a positive other than my little boy out of the whole experience)

Name? Sam

Age? 34 (35 next month :-) )

Brief History? Had DD Nov 08. Head was turned sideways so no progress. 11 hours of hellish pain. Midwife refused to check me when asked and removed gas and air (only pain relief) to help me 'focus'. Finally DD's heartrate crashed. Emergency rotational forceps in surgery. Bladder very damaged. Many internal and external 2nd degree tears. Took months for bladder control to return. Catheters, tena pads and consultants until DD was 6 months. Any bd attempts too painful until 6 months. Physio until 10 months for wrecked pelvic floor. External scars still feel bruised.

What are you proud of in your life? Facing the fear and doing it again. Have got my BFP today after 2 months of ttc. Don't want DD to be an only child. So scared of it all again I actually want to do it now, as soon as possible, so I don't have to spend 2 or 3 years worrying about the birth and damage.

Name? Gadgebot

Age? 25

Brief History? Had DS by emergency c-section 7 weeks ago today, following induction at 12 days overdue. I reacted to the pessary, DS's heart rate kept dropping and then they lost it, I didn't ever dilate beyond 3cm despite the strong contractions, so I was whisked off to theatre to have him. Should have actually had him (probably by elective c-section) at least 2 weeks earlier but no-one listened to me!

What are you proud of in your life? Probably how far I've come so far since DS was born. Definitely the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with in my life.