Both of my children were born at Northampton General hospital. My daughter was born in March 2006 and my son January 2008. My daughter was in back-to-back position. Meconium was present. I was screaming that I wanted to die because the pain was horrendous. I was given pethidine with no effect

After a traumatic first birth with a 3b tear and operation I was petrified of giving birth again. I opted for an elective c section to try and get more control.
My elective c section went badly wrong.

I had a healthy pregnancy until I reached 36 weeks, when a scan found the baby was on the bigger side. I went into labour nine days before my due date, and was repeatedly turned away from the hospital until eventually being admitted. I was given medication for raised blood pressure, as well as gas and air, which did nothing for the pain.

I’m Chloe and I'm 31 years old. I had my daughter in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. I suffer with PTSD due to the birth trauma and it’s extremely hard now as I am expecting my second daughter later this year.

I went into labour with my first child on a Sunday morning, and managed well through the day at home. By the evening the contractions were becoming more painful, and being unsure, we went into hospital.

My partner and I decided to start trying for a baby and were very lucky to fall pregnant quite quickly. I had morning sickness but I was never sick – a very normal and healthy pregnancy. I never made a birth plan to save disappointment and my midwife fully supported this.

I was 17 when I found out I was pregnant. I was very shocked at first but always dreamed of having a beautiful baby and family so I decided to keep my blessing.

After having IVF and a rough pregnancy, something I now realise they don't prepare you for is if complications arise during labour.

After a 10-year gap, the news had arrived. I was expecting my second child. I was extremely excited about it all, especially as I had recently completed my midwifery degree. I was confident this time round I knew my options and rights and I was determined to have full control over my birth. However, that is not exactly the way the story ended

I can’t say being a mother was something I had always dreamed of. There was always a nagging voice in the back of my mind telling me there is no chance I can take care of a child because I can barely take care of myself. Yet there I was, lying on a hospital bed with a midwife’s hand inside me and a thin blue sheet separating me from the other expectant mothers in the room.

When people hear the term PTSD, they think of a mental health condition that soldiers suffer after witnessing horrors of war. No one really believes that it can happen to a woman following the birth of her baby. Birth is supposed to be a glorious, life-changing event when precious memories are created that will be cherished of the rest of the woman’s life. But that wasn’t the case for me.

It’s all very blurry and I missed out on bonding with my baby. For weeks after the birth I didn’t believe he was mine or that he had a name.

The next time somebody tells you that their baby's birth didn't go to plan, empathise and support her, because just because her baby is OK, that doesn’t mean she is.