Why it’s important to understand your birth story (no matter how long ago you gave birth)

As mums we have so many experiences in common but our pregnancy and birth stories differ greatly. But now that you’ve done the hard work, baby is home and you're recovering well, what’s the point in re-visiting your birth story? It's important, and Louise Hurley explains why.

- No matter how long ago you gave birth it’s never too late to try to understand your birth story.
- If you had a baby recently you can ask your obstetrician or midwife for a debrief on your birth, or take your hospital discharge papers to your GP or women’s health physio. They will be able to answer any questions you have and inform you of the implications your delivery is likely to have on your recovery.
- Write a journal or verbally record notes on your phone. It doesn’t matter if you don’t re-read or listen to them again. Sometimes just the act of recounting your story is powerful in itself.
- Talk to friends, family or your mothers group about your experiences, and be honest about the way you feel. The Australian Birth Trauma Association run the Peer2Peer support program to help you reach out to another mum who has experienced something similar to your own story.
- If you feel that recounting what happened during your baby’s birth brings feelings of stress, anxiety, overwhelm, panic, sadness or any other heightened emotions, talk to a mental health professional about this. You can find support links on the PANDA and Australian Birth Trauma Association websites.

About the Author
Louise’s mission is to help mums feel fitter, healthier and stronger through a supportive and motivating community. Whether it’s been 6 weeks or 6 years, no matter how long ago you had children she can help you to safely return to exercise and restrengthen your body so that you can start to take back some control in this crazy roller coaster of motherhood and feel more like you again. Strong Mums isn’t about “bouncing back” after having a baby or getting your pre-baby body back. It’s about feeling fit, healthy and strong enough to keep up with the demands of your little tribe.
Louise’s mission is to help mums feel fitter, healthier and stronger through a supportive and motivating community. Whether it’s been 6 weeks or 6 years, no matter how long ago you had children she can help you to safely return to exercise and restrengthen your body so that you can start to take back some control in this crazy roller coaster of motherhood and feel more like you again. Strong Mums isn’t about “bouncing back” after having a baby or getting your pre-baby body back. It’s about feeling fit, healthy and strong enough to keep up with the demands of your little tribe.?