96. Overcoming the Unexpected: Leah's Birth Journey at Maine Medical Center in Portland

Send us Fan MailLeah's story is one of resilience, courage, and the power of hope as she navigates what she was told was a high-risk pregnancy.  Despite being told from a young ages that she might not conceive due to PCOS, after a recent gastric sleeve surgery, Leah found herself expecting.  Join me in this episode as she shares her experience of feeling forced to deliver at Maine Medical Center, confronting past traumas associated with this hospital, and the difficult choices faced when your birth plan is no longer your own.Leah's childbirth journey takes a dramatic turn when her newborn, starts experiencing seizures just hours after being born.  Leah details the emotional and physical toll of navigating the NICU and the medical interventions, including phenobarbital  to sedate her newborn and try to stop the seizures.  This episode paints a vivid picture of the harrowing hours spent watching over her newborn, the anxiety of seeing her connected to monitors, and the incredible fortitude of a mother fighting for her child's well-being amidst the uncertainty of perinatal strokes and the unknown potential for long-term implications.Amidst the chaos, Leah found solace and strength at the Ronald McDonald House, allowing her to be near her daughter during her hospital stay.  Through her candor about postpartum anxiety and proactive steps in seeking therapies for her daughter, Leah's journey offers a powerful testament to maternal strength. Her story encourages a conversation about the necessity of medical interventions, and whether or not her daughters seizures were caused by the induction medications themselves, or the aggressive use of the forceps during delivery.  MyMaine Birth, a space where we share the real life stories of families and their unique birth experiences in the beautiful state of Maine.  From our state’s biggest hospitals to Birth Center Births, and home births, every birth story deserves to be heard and celebrated.  Whether you are a soon to be mom, a seasoned mother, or simply interested in the world of birth, these episodes are for you.If you're interested in Birth Photography or Doula Support for your upcoming birth, head over to my website https://www.mymainebirth.comDon't miss - Birth Plan Essentials, a FREE workshop where I help you create your own personalized birth plan, hosted at the Old Town Public Library from 11am - noon on  November 23, and December 14.  You can register HERE   https://mymainebirth.myflodesk.com/birthplanessentialsDon't miss - Birth Bliss: Embracing Knowledge as Power for Your Natural Birth, enrollment is now OPEN for this 3 part, in-person comprehensive natural childbirth education course hosted by myself and fellow childbirth educator Katie Stroud.   Birth Bliss is designed to guide you in claiming your power on your birth journey, you'll develop a deep understanding of birth physiology, variations of normal and true emergencies, as well as techniques for relaxation and navigating and eliminating fears.  Learn about how to create your optimal support team, set up for a blissful postpartum, breastfeeding, early mothering... and so much more!  Whether you are birthing at a Hospital, a birth center, or at home - Birth Bliss is designed to support you every step of the way!  Birth Bliss is hosted at Mainely Succulents in Orono on October 27, November 3, and November 10th from 9am - 11am.  At the end of our last class you'll create a succu