REAL STORIES
After an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and baby loss, Jade finally brought her daughter River earthside — but instead of the newborn bubble she had imagined, she was met with relentless distress as her baby struggled with severe colic. Following years of cumulative grief and anxiety, Jade describes a ‘crash’ that overwhelmed her emotionally and physically. It was only when her mother-in-law stepped in that she was able to access the support she needed.
Despite her expertise as a midwife and academic, Helen describes her perinatal mental health experience with one word: ‘blindsided’. She developed post-traumatic stress disorder following a traumatic pregnancy marked by pre-eclampsia, IUGR, and a NICU admission, compounded by baby loss and ongoing IVF uncertainty. She reflects on the profound impact of psychological trauma in the perinatal period, both personally and professionally.
Meeting so many different professionals on a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) can feel overwhelming. Learn who they are, what they do, and how each member of the multidisciplinary team supports your recovery.
Post-traumatic growth describes the possibility that some people experience meaningful psychological changes after trauma. Explore what post-traumatic growth is, what it isn’t, and why growth is a possibility—not an expectation.
Perinatal trauma can occur during pregnancy, birth, or early parenthood—and it isn't always obvious or physical. Learn about the signs of trauma and PTSD, why trauma affects everyone differently, and where to find support in Australia.
What is EMDR, and could it help after birth trauma or PTSD? This evidence-informed guide explains how EMDR works, what happens during treatment, what the research says, and whether it may be a helpful part of recovery after traumatic experiences during pregnancy, birth or early parenthood.
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