Ep 280: Rachel’s Birth Story - Weaning Off Anxiety and Depression Meds

Rachel always wanted to be a mother, but before she could begin that journey, she felt it was important to get off of depression and anxiety medication. After spending three months weaning off her meds, she very quickly got pregnant. Her pregnancy, although a source of great excitement, also brought unexpected difficulties, including two falls - and then her water broke during her baby shower!A breech baby, a failed turning procedure (external cephalic version), intubation during her cesarean for a “panic attack”, and more added up to a traumatic birth experience. Rachel gets a bit emotional and teary during her story and you can understand why. Her birth was definitely a challenge and there's so much to learn from her story. I cannot wait for you to hear it.In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:How Rachel and her psychiatrist created a plan to safely stop medicationWhat tactics she used to manage anxiety and depression symptomsHow limited food options triggered old disordered eating strugglesHow lower back and hip pain caused daily difficulties with mobilityWhy she wishes she would’ve chosen a different providerHow the epidural created a sensation of being unable to breatheWhy she underwent general anesthesia for her C-sectionWhat her healing process was likeWhether or not she’ll return to psychiatric medication--Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode280Check out The Birth Preparation CourseRegister for the class How to Make a Birth Plan the Right WayFree Resources to Help You Birth With PowerGet the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patientsOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/DRNICOLEAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy