EP 31: Jodie Richardson "Unpacking BIRTH TRAUMA to Create Awareness: Jodie's Survival Story After A Uterine Atony/ Postpartum Hemorrhage & Hysterectomy"

Trigger warning for this episode- we discuss Birth Trauma on a deep level. If you require support after listening to this episode please visit Birthtrauma.org.au (ABTA) and you can also follow them on Instagram @birthtrauma.org.au

There are additional support resources  here. Now given that Birth Trauma Awareness Week has recently passed. We thought it would be fitting to share with you all Jodie's incredible story. Imagine waking up in your fourth trimester in the hospital, being told that your uterus has been removed and after being in an induced coma for weeks after a Uterine Atony and almost dying?

We unpack:

What happened during Jodie's birth birth and more specifically in the 4th trimester of Motherhood . For example a uterine atony- postpartum haemorrhage- laparotomy and kidney failure and a hysterectomy.

How  she recovered mentally and physically given the significant trauma that her and her family endured.

Disassociation with the birth and connection to bub and odd feelings associated with this. 

Missing out on all of the firsts in Motherhood.

Who was in her village and unsolicited advice from outsiders.

The idea of being 'brave'  and how that isn't necessarily helpful language for someone recovering from Birth Trauma.

Mothers being enough, the vicious cycle of mum guilt  and learning to sit in her grief  instead of forcing herself to feel grateful.

Advice to any parent who has endured birth related trauma in terms of seeking the right type of professional help. 

Finding her passion again through work and celebrating being alive.

The most beautiful aspects in Jodie's current phase of Motherhood. The simple things like being a part of her sons life- not just a mother but a friend- new phases of relationships.

The joy of cooking as family and coming together- '"Food brings everyone together with the people you love".

This episode is brought to you by Active Truth who Soph and I absolutely LOVE. Please go and check them out @activetruthmaternity and @activetruth for the most comfortable Active Wear you will EVER need. 

Lots of love Mummas and Pappas xx

Transcript

 Soph: Before we begin, we are grateful to live and work on land that holds the stories of the Dreamtime. We pay our respects and honor the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present & emerging and acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of our First Nations People. 

 INTRO 

"This episode is brought to you by our faves- Active Truth who celebrate women regardless of size, shape or stage of life by offering performance activewear across an inclusive size range."

Hays: Today we welcome the incredibly beautiful and articulate Jodie- Jodie is a wife to hubs Tyge and mumma to her beautiful boy Indi. Jodie lives on the Surf Coast of Victoria in Torquay with her family and works as a People and Culture/ HR Professional. 

Soph: Now given that Birth Trauma Awareness Week has just passed. We thought it would be fitting to share with you all Jodie's incredible story- she is a warrior woman.  Imagine waking up in your fourth trimester in the hospital, being told that your uterus has been removed and after being in an induced coma for weeks after almost dying as your birth didn’t go to plan, but we will let her share this story in full- lets jump straight in.

Soph: Welcome Jodie! Now before we dive into your story- as always we ask our mummas if they have a hilarious Motherhood story that they can share with us and our listeners?

Hays: Now can you please talk us through what happened during your birth and more specifically in the 4th trimester of Motherhood for you?

Soph: How did you recover mentally and physically given the significant trauma that you and your family endured? Who was in your village for support during this time?

Hays: Do you have specific memories of this time that stand out? Or, Is there one moment that really stands out to you that helped you turn a corner- what was that if so?


AD BREAK

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Soph: What has been the biggest learning from this experience for you in all of this and or how has this shaped you as the amazing woman that you are today?

Hays: What's one piece of advice that you would give to any parent who has endured birth related trauma?

Soph: You have beautifully detailed the challenging aspects of Motherhood in the early stages for you but on the flip side- what are the most beautiful aspects in your current phase of Motherhood?

Hays: What do you do for you? How do you switch off, recharge, replenish and stay sane?

Soph: Can you sum up Motherhood in 3 words for us? (We ask all of our guests this and love their responses?) 

Hays: Thanks SO much for being on PUMPED today, it has been an absolutely game changing episode where we have just loved holding space for you to share your journey and know Jodie that just by telling your story- you are helping SO many women out there who have experienced birth related trauma.