When someone you care about doesn't get the birth experience she longed for, it can be hard to find the right words to say. You may feel like shying away from the conversation, or brushing their experience under the carpet by saying it was worth it in the end, or all that matters is the baby is healthy (which is what she wanted too) … but don’t. That’s saying her feelings don’t matter, when they do. All women are different, and there is no way to predict how your friend or family member will be feeling about the birth, so try not to put words in her mouth. Instead, give her the space to talk, and vocalise your support for her.
Here are some things that your friend may appreciate hearing as she comes to terms with the birth:
#1: “Do You Want To Talk About It?”
Don’t approach the subject with hungry eyes and a gossipy tone, instead acknowledge that not everyone wants to discuss their birth stories, especially right away. Instead of hurling a series of questions at her, ask her whether she wants to tell you about the birth, and then let her lead the conversation. All too often birth stories are devoured as gossip, but remember, this isn't just a story, it’s your friend’s life. If she says that she would rather not talk about it, accept this but offer your ear should she ever want to discuss it in the future.
#2: “That Must Have Been Hard/Scary/Upsetting”
There is a tendency to hear birth stories as ‘freak shows’, and to forget that these stories are about real people. Listen to what she is saying, and empathize with her. Identify the emotions you are picking up on, and express them so that she knows you understand. Leave out the OMGs, and instead focus on the raw emotions being expressed in this story. Remember, your friend may not have had time to sort through her feelings about the birth yet, and this may be one of the first time she has talked in detail about it.
#3: “You Are Such A Strong, Amazing Woman”
Women who feel let down by their birth experience, often worry that they have failed. They may feel they have missed out on that sense of empowerment and strength that some women discuss when telling birth stories, and this can lead to feelings of insecurity. All women have inner strength, and accepting a change in a birth plan can be a very difficult thing to do, though it may not feel it at the time. Congratulate your friend on her decisions and strength, and show her that you think she is a warrior, even without the birth she was planning.
#4: “I’m Sorry It Didn't Go To Plan”
Society seems to be almost uncomfortable with the idea that a woman may feel resent after the birth of a healthy baby, as though it is a mother’s duty to accept any means to an end. In reality, however, many women feel upset or disappointed with their birth experiences, and some feel uncomfortable about voicing these feelings for fear of being seen as selfish. By sharing your condolences, you can help your friend to accept her feelings as normal, and know that she has the support of her loved ones around her.
#5: “Are You Ok?”
Women who share their traumatic birth stories are often met with comments about how the birth would have been worth it now that the baby is here. Of course, any mother will tell you that the safe birth of her baby was the most important factor – but, and it’s a big but, it wasn't the only factor. How a baby is born is important too, especially to the mother. It may take her a while to emotionally recover from the birth at a time where her hormones are undergoing a significant adjustment, and she may find herself grieving the birth experience she didn't get. By asking whether she’s ok, you’re not only showing her that you care, but also that you are one of the few who understand that healing is not just a physical process. And NEVER mention the ‘H’ word (hormones). That too undermines her feelings and may serve to make her go deeper and darker into herself.
#6: “Your Feelings DO Matter. It’s Ok To Be Disappointed”
Some new mothers experience feelings of guilt, and worry that they are selfish for feeling disappointed in the birth. This can prevent women from speaking openly and honestly about their feelings. These feelings may not seem too common, but in reality this is because women feel unable to express these emotions, and instead feel they should soldier on. Let your friend know that it’s ok to feel disappointed, and that it is in fact a completely normal and healthy emotion to feel.
#7: “Have You Considered Professional Birth De-Briefing?”
If the woman you care about seems really stuck with her feelings about her birth, more independent birth professionals are offering birth debriefing services. They can be hard to find, so a good port of call is a doula or independent (home birth) midwife. They have counselling skills with an understanding of the birth process, so they can help women heal from a traumatic or disappointing birth.
#8: “I’m Always Here, If You Ever Want To Talk”
She may not feel like talking right now, perhaps she never will, but even just knowing that she has people who care about her, may help her to feel more positive. Let her know that you care, and that you are always on call if she needs you. Let her know that she is loved and important, and that you are part of her much-needed support network now that she is a mother. Knowing that people are there for her, even if she never calls on you, could help her to feel supported during this recovery period after the birth
By Bellybelly
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