It All Started When My Birth Plan Fell Apart | Nancy
Navigating the tumultuous waters of childbirth and postpartum recovery is challenging under any circumstances, but when the pandemic struck, it added an entirely new layer of difficulty. Nancy’s journey through this landscape was nothing short of a rollercoaster, marked by unexpected turns, profound isolation, and ultimately, personal growth.
Meet Nancy—a wife, mom of two, and founder of Anamav. Her journey through motherhood, marked by unexpected challenges and profound recovery, inspired her to create a supportive space for others. This is her story.
It All Started When My Birth Plan Fell Apart
When I was pregnant with my first child, I was determined to have a natural birth. I took a hypnobirthing course, meticulously planned every detail, and packed a bag full of items to create a calm and peaceful environment. The goal was to make this experience as positive and memorable as possible.
However, reality had different plans. Labor began at home and lasted for 10 hours before I was admitted to the hospital. Another 10 hours of labor in triage followed, and the circumstances were far from what I had envisioned. The hospital was overwhelmed with patients, and I was left laboring in a triage room, shaking and vomiting from the intense pain. The nurse, observing my condition, recommended an epidural. Despite my determination and preparation, I felt a wave of defeat as I consented to the procedure.
Receiving the epidural was just the beginning of a series of escalating challenges. My delivery, which occurred 10 hours later, went smoothly, and we were sent home the next day. But sleep eluded me. Five days of relentless insomnia eventually led to hallucinations, and I found myself in the ER with a diagnosis of postpartum psychosis. Despite this, I was discharged, only to return three days later with hypertension, resulting in a six-night stay in a psychiatric ward.
The experience was profoundly isolating. My husband and baby couldn't stay with me, making the ordeal feel even more traumatic than the birth itself. The months that followed were filled with a whirlwind of emotions and troubling symptoms, but with medication and support, I began to recover.
One of the hardest parts of my recovery was the guilt I felt over not being able to breastfeed my daughter beyond those first five days. Being separated from her and losing my milk supply left me feeling deeply remorseful.
Despite these challenges, I knew I wanted to give my daughter a sibling, knowing what it feels like to be an only child. As an only child myself, I didn’t want to leave her without a sibling. So, when we decided to have another child, I was hopeful for a better experience.
My second pregnancy was planned and induced due to the risk of preeclampsia. This time, I felt a greater sense of control and was able to create the serene environment I had initially dreamed of. The beginning of the induction was slow, but once they broke my waters, things progressed quickly. My son was born within 45 minutes.
I had requested an epidural, but as the anaesthesiologist prepared it, it was already time to push. He managed to give me a spinal, which provided some relief, though I still felt much of the experience. In a way, I got the natural birth I had hoped for, with a bit of medical support.
Following the birth of my son, I stayed in the hospital for an extra five nights and arranged for doulas to support me at home for a month. Their help was crucial in protecting my sleep and preventing a recurrence of my postpartum psychosis.
Turning Pain into Purpose
Navigating the challenges of childbirth and postpartum recovery was incredibly tough for me, but it sparked a deep desire to help others through their own experiences. That’s why I’ve launched Anamav Postnatal Care—to ensure that new mothers have the support they need and don’t face the same hurdles I did.
My goal with Anamav Postnatal Care is to offer compassionate guidance, practical support, and a comforting presence to new moms. I want to help make their transition into motherhood smoother and more positive.
Through my own journey, I've come to understand the vital importance of flexibility, seeking support, and embracing self-compassion. By sharing my story and offering our services through Anamav, my goal is to provide the support every new mother deserves during the early days of motherhood, making a meaningful difference in the lives of countless families.