This Isn’t What I Expected. What Comes Next After a Traumatic Birth?

So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs

Welcome back to So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs! Birth is a journey that can bring incredible joy—but for many, it can also come with unexpected challenges. This week, we hear from Kara about a topic that hits home for so many parents: healing from a traumatic birth and deciding whether to have another child. Then, our host Allie Hales speaks to her own birth experiences—the highs, the lows, and what she wishes she knew. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by your birth experience or unsure about what comes next, this episode is for you. We hope you come away from this episode with practical insights, actionable tips, and a reminder to be compassionate with yourself as you navigate the unexpected challenges that come with pregnancy and parenthood.

Recommended Resources:

• More on trauma and PTSD at womensmentalhealth.org
• Find a support group with Postpartum Support International

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. The views, thoughts, and opinions shared today are the speakers’ own. **Trigger Warning** Birth trauma, PTSD, OCD

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So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs is brought to you by the MGH Center for Women's Mental Health and the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation.