As an OBGYN and mother of three, my mission to support women through birth trauma comes from a deeply personal place. My own traumatic birth experience with my first child left me feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and afraid to consider having another baby. That experience fundamentally changed how I practice medicine and led me to develop the Sterling Birth Method. I understand firsthand the weight of carrying birth trauma, and I'm passionate about helping women move from surviving to thriving in their birth experiences.
1. Address Your Feelings
- Make a specific list of how your last birth made you feel
- Identify how you want to feel this time
- Consider if professional mental health support would be beneficial
2. Get Clear on What Happened
- Review medical records
- Discuss specific complications with your provider
- Create a list of things that can be done differently
3. Develop Your Preparation Plan
- Choose comfort measures that align with how you want to feel
- Consider additional education or support like mindfulness training
- Join support groups specific to your situation (like VBAC groups)
4. Create Your Mitigation Plan
- Work with your provider to identify specific risks
- Develop strategies to reduce those risks
- Have clear plans for various scenarios
Remember: This isn't about having the "perfect" birth - it's about feeling supported, heard, and empowered in your choices.
I created the Sterling Birth Method because I believe every woman deserves to feel empowered, supported, and confident in their birth journey. This isn't about achieving a "perfect" birth - it's about creating an experience where you feel heard, respected, and in control of your choices.
Final Thoughts:
- Your feelings about your previous birth are valid
- Healing is a journey, not a destination
- Support and community are essential
- You deserve to feel empowered in your next birth
- Small steps toward preparation can make a big difference
- It's never too early to start planning for a better birth experience
Whether you're just beginning to process your birth trauma or actively preparing for your next birth, know that you have a community of support behind you. Together, we can work toward creating the positive, empowering birth experience you deserve.
