EPISODE · Jun 26, 2026 · 53 MIN
163. MyMaine Birth: When birth doesn't go as planned, Teal's two birth stories
from MyMaine Birth · host Angela Laferriere
Send us Fan MailBirth can change in a second, and sometimes the part that lingers is not just what happened, but what you did not get to feel or remember. Teal joins me for a vulnerable, detailed conversation about her first birth in April 2020, when early-pandemic uncertainty collides with a frightening labor complication and an emergency C-section. She shares what it was like to be rushed into surgery, how an unexpected spinal block response triggered panic and loss of control, and why those moments can leave real birth trauma even when everyone is ultimately safe.We also talk about the long tail of postpartum recovery after a cesarean: intense pain, returning to the hospital with a high fever, IV antibiotics for a postpartum uterine infection, and mastitis layered on top of breastfeeding challenges and isolation. Teal names the hard feelings many parents keep private, including struggling to connect, carrying grief about how birth “should have” gone, and realizing how profoundly sleep deprivation can impact postpartum mental health and family life.Then we move into her second pregnancy, her hope for a VBAC, and the respectful decision-making that leads to a planned C-section that feels completely different. With time to advocate, meet the anesthesia team, and prepare emotionally, Teal experiences more presence, connection, and immediate bonding, even while holding space for disappointment. We close with practical, honest advice about postpartum support, accepting help, considering a doula, and why talking about your birth story can be healing.If this resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review so more parents can find these stories. Teal is a baby and toddler sleep coach, you can learn more about her services at RootsofReverie.com You can find teal on instagram @rootsofreverieBubbles and Bean, Teal's children's conignment shop in Camden, Maine Additional Resources:MyMaineBirth.comClosing song by Kate Sutherland. You can find Kate's community songs and deep nature connection work online at KateSutherland.ca
What this episode covers
Send us Fan Mail Birth can change in a second, and sometimes the part that lingers is not just what happened, but what you did not get to feel or remember. Teal joins me for a vulnerable, detailed conversation about her first birth in April 2020, when early-pandemic uncertainty collides with a frightening labor complication and an emergency C-section. She shares what it was like to be rushed into surgery, how an unexpected spinal block response triggered panic and loss of control,...
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163. MyMaine Birth: When birth doesn't go as planned, Teal's two birth stories
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