Postpartum Story: Perinatal Depression/Anxiety after Emergency C-sections, and NICU Stay
Amy and her husband Scott had their first child in 2018. For Amy, even in retrospect, the pregnancy was easy with little morning sickness or health concerns, just a few ribs. His wife wants to remind him that he has many more complaints! Labor was induced at 39 weeks due to the estimated large size of their baby. The induction resulted in an emergency C-Section after 3 hours of labor due to her baby’s low heart rate. Postpartum recovery consisted of severe gas pains, lip and tongue tie problems that interfered with breastfeeding, and eventually postpartum depression as Amy weaned.
The family became pregnant again in 2021. The pregnancy was more difficult as Amy prepared for a VBAC. Within nine months, Amy tested positive for COVID, had hyperemesis gravidarum (excessive vomiting) in her second trimester, and the flu in her third trimester. She was also diagnosed with severe polyhydramnios (excess fluid) which caused her stomach to grow excessively and painfully. Due to the strains of pregnancy complications, the pandemic, and work, Amy faced increased perinatal depression and anxiety. She gave birth naturally at 37 weeks; despite reaching 10 cm dilation and full effacement, she again needed an emergency C-Section due to the deceleration of her baby’s heart rate. Her baby needed immediate help with oxygen and sugar, and was placed in the NICU. While in that care, her son endured many health challenges including hypoglycemia, polycythemia (increased red blood cell mass), jaundice, omphalitis (infection of the umbilicus), and viral meningitis from parechovirus. He was in the NICU for 17 days. Amy experienced significant postpartum anxiety after this trauma, and with it, hopes to help others recognize the symptoms, get support, and make waves to improve the health systems that deal with care. in perinatal.
Amy Serafin Bio
Amy (she/her)(38) and her husband Scott (he/him)(44) have been married for 5 years. They live outside of Austin, TX with their two sons ages 4 years and 4 months, and a small menagerie of pets. Amy is a writer and mental health therapist who loves working with adults, especially mothers. You can connect with him socially on Instagram @flourishaustin.
Resources
Local to Austin/Texas:
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Alliance of Texas: PPHATX.org
- Your Village Consulting (doulas, childbirth education, sleep training, potty training, lactation specialist, etc) https://yourvillageconsulting.com/
- Lotus Chiropractic and Acupuncture http://www.lotusatx.com/
National/international:
Ergobaby
This episode is sponsored by Ergobaby. Founded in 2003, Ergobaby pioneered the gold standard for comfortable, ergonomic soft structured carriers. Their commitment to giving parents a foundation to thrive has launched the company into creating a wide range of award-winning products that fit into families’ daily lives seamlessly, comfortably, and safely – where function and quality are not compromised. In 2020, they launched Everlove by Ergobaby, a first-of-its-kind baby carrier buy back and resale program, a sustainability effort to support families and the planet. Check out Ergobaby’s Embrace Soft Air Mesh and new Evolve a 3-in-1 Bouncer which we talked about on the podcast!
