Ep. 270: Third-Degree Tear, Emergency C-Section & Delayed Bonding feat. Brittany

In this episode of the Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Brittany to hear about two birth experiences that left a lasting impact on her. Brittany shares her experience with an initial molar pregnancy diagnosis that was later determined to be a healthy pregnancy, followed by a difficult first birth involving a third-degree tear and feelings of invalidation.

Years later, Brittany became pregnant again and hoped for a planned C-section because of her previous experience. Instead, she planned for a vaginal birth—and ultimately experienced a true emergency when her baby’s heart rate began to decelerate and an umbilical cord issue was discovered. She was rushed to the operating room and delivered her son under general anesthesia.

Brittany opens up about the anger, fear, postpartum disconnect, and delayed bonding that followed, as well as the therapy and time that helped her heal. Her story is also a powerful reminder that missing immediate skin-to-skin or the “golden hour” does not mean you won’t bond with your baby.

✨ In this episode, we talk about:

• 💔 Experiencing a pregnancy initially diagnosed as a molar pregnancy and the emotional impact of that uncertainty
• 🩹 A first birth involving a third-degree tear and the experience of having her trauma minimized
• 🗣️ How filing a formal complaint and receiving responses from her doctors helped Brittany find validation and closure
• 🤰 Wanting a planned C-section after a difficult previous birth—and navigating a provider who did not agree
• ⏰ How changes to her induction plan affected her sense of safety and control
• 🚨 Experiencing an unexpected emergency when her baby's heart rate began showing concerning changes
• 🏥 Being rushed into an emergency C-section and undergoing general anesthesia
• 💭 The emotional disconnect that can happen when you aren't awake for your baby's birth
• 🤱 Struggling with breastfeeding and holding her baby immediately after birth
• ❤️ How one supportive nurse helped Brittany begin connecting with her baby
• 🌱 Processing birth trauma through therapy, time, and hearing other people's stories
• ✨ Reframing the fear that missing the “golden hour” means you won't bond with your baby
• 💕 Finding reassurance that bonding can happen over time and that a difficult birth does not determine your relationship with your child
• 🌸 Brittany's message to other birth trauma survivors: You're going to be okay. You're going to make it through this.

For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.

Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.