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Maybe I do need counseling

1K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  Barefoot~Baker 
#1 ·
I'm thinking about it now. I cannot even read birth stories anymore. A friend just had a baby and when I started reading her birth story, I tensed up, held my breath, and felt panicked. A couple of times I ventured into Birth and Beyond only to have the same thing happen. My doula emailed me info on the hospital that I had my c-section in, asking me to write a letter because of some issues that they are having, and I can't even deal with it. I had to skim the email.

I don't feel that I have to urgently get help, but, I guess I should probably do so soon.
 
#2 ·
I think that's a good idea. There are parts of DS's birth that still haunt me and I think it would have been helpful for me to seek some counseling over it (also ds having health problems increased all the anxiety). Does your doula have any recommendations for a good therapist?
 
#3 ·
Counseling can be GREAT! Especially if you find the right counselor. I have been twice in my life: the first time was helpful but not nearly as much as the second time - and actually the second time was with a male counselor, so you'd think it would be the other way around, with my being a woman. But not so.

I would certainly recommend it. Afterward you feel very "taken apart" and it's kind of like having the filing cabinet in your head tipped over, and all the papers tipped out - then afterward you job is to put them back in the correct order instead of in the crazy mess they were in before counseling.

All in all it's a good idea - just plain good. Helped me enormously, and hopefully it will help you as well!

*HUGE hugs* mama - don't be afraid! XxXxX
 
#4 ·
I came to the same realization this weekend.
I have been having very intense flashbacks that leave me unable to breathe and very panicked. I cannot read birthstories and will not engage pregnant co-workers in any discussion about their impending birth.

I have been having panic attacks lately about the kids too. Like, a week ago I had to get out of bed in the middle of the night to make sure my toddler was still breathing. I was convinced we were all dying from carbonmonoxide poisoning. Similary incidents have been happening a lot recently. It is really hard for me to admit I need help though always has been.
 
#5 ·
Counseling is a good thing. I had just crammed down a bunch of stuff about my birth in the name of "I'm not having any more kids, so I don't have to ever deal with this again anyway." Turns out I'm having another, and it forced me to face my traumas. It's worth facing.
 
#7 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by hollytheteacher View Post
I think that's a good idea. There are parts of DS's birth that still haunt me and I think it would have been helpful for me to seek some counseling over it (also ds having health problems increased all the anxiety). Does your doula have any recommendations for a good therapist?
Thanks for the support everyone. I'm going to make some calls tomorrow afternoon and I'm going to email my doula today.

 
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