S2 EP 10 | Elise Story: Induction, Birth Trauma, Healing & Physiological Birth

In today’s episode we chat with Elise, doula and mum not two from the Northern Rivers. After an induced first birth involving a postpartum haemorrhage, theatre, blood transfusions and a long physical recovery, Elise believed she had experienced a "positive induction." It wasn't until she became pregnant again that she recognised how much unresolved birth trauma she was carrying.In this episode we discuss:• Growing up always knowing she wanted to become a mother.• Her first pregnancy, severe nausea and developing PUPPP rash late in pregnancy.• Why she agreed to an induction at 40+4 after developing high blood pressure and protein in her urine.• An induction that progressed quickly before a prolonged pushing stage, assisted delivery, postpartum haemorrhage, blood transfusions and emergency theatre.• Recovering physically while also realising later that the emotional impact of her birth had been much greater than she first believed.• Entering her second pregnancy determined to process her previous birth trauma and advocate differently for herself.• Choosing to keep baby's sex a surprise the second time and returning to Midwifery Group Practice.• Navigating suspected ruptured membranes, using evidence from birth education podcasts and confidently making informed decisions with supportive care providers.• Experiencing a calm, physiological labour with no vaginal examinations until she chose them, laughing between contractions and allowing her body to push instinctively.• Why her second birth became the healing experience she didn't know she needed.This is such a beautiful episode where the journey of birth can really take many turns along the way.Want more?You can find episode photos over at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠You can find me at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠You can find Elise at:https://www.instagram.com/elisethedoula/https://www.elisethedoula.com.au/Elise is a doula based in Tweed Heads and servicing the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast areas.She offers pregnancy, birth and postpartum support along with Tens Machine and Birth Sling hire.