#302 | Facing PTSD with Shoulder Dystocia at Home Birth

In this episode, Allison Angelini shares the profound and challenging story of her second pregnancy and birth. From the start, Allison had a premonition that her birth might not go as planned. Compounding her worries, she experienced a traumatic event while camping with her toddler, which left her grappling with PTSD and anxiety throughout her pregnancy.Despite her fears, Allison pursued a home birth. Her labor was long and intense, complicated by an anterior cervical lip and an instinctive sense that something was off. After her baby’s head was born, his shoulders became stuck—a shoulder dystocia. He entered the world pale, limp, and not breathing. However, his umbilical cord remained intact and pulsing at a strong 150 bpm, allowing him to recover after eight tense minutes in his mother’s arms, still connected to his placenta.In reflecting on her experience, Allison wonders if her mental state influenced her labor progression and contributed to the shoulder dystocia of her 9 lb. 13 oz. baby. Despite this difficult birth, she later went on to have a smooth home birth with her third child, who weighed almost exactly the same as her second.Tune in to hear Allison’s honest and introspective journey as she wrestles with the question: Did my PTSD cause a shoulder dystocia?**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packSend us Fan Mail Needed <-- this link for 20% off your orderDrinkLMNT <--  this link for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure Skincare: Use code DOWNTOBIRTH for 10% off Postpartum Soothe: Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits Superfood<--this link for 20% offJoin Patreon for our exclusive contentIG @downtobirthshowDown to Birth ShowCall 802-GET-DOWNWatch full videos of all episodes on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.