Tell me your story: recovering from a difficult birth.

Abstract

The authors discuss their experience of running after birth workshops as an intervention for women struggling to come to terms with a difficult birth experience. Midwives can use this approach in their practice with women in the postnatal period and also when preparing for a subsequent birth or even during a labour that follows a challenging experience. This article explores the value of supporting women to tell their story and how to do that with suggestions to build on listening skills. It also offers suggestions for self care, so that midwives can be well resourced for emotional support.