Publish date: 26 July 2022
As the Maternity Trauma & Loss Care (MLTC) service at the Trust turns one, we hear from our of our service users on their experience of pregnancy and the service.
"A pregnancy after loss is hopeful yet terrifying at the same time.
It’s getting a taste of joy but also being constantly anxious of losing it. It’s nothing short of a rollercoaster of emotions on top of an already hormonal mind and body.
My pregnancy journey 4 months after a heart breaking pregnancy loss was just like that. I felt disassociated from my baby, not getting excited, scared of making any plans or preparation, avoiding talking to the baby or even looking at my tummy altogether.
It was my mind’s way of protecting me from the anguish of the 0.1% possibility of history repeating itself. Having been part of baby loss groups, I was now educated of the many many other things that could go wrong in the pregnancy, which was daunting me even further. I requested the midwife to refer me to therapy to protect me from potential postpartum depression (PPD). After an assessment they referred me to the Maternity Trauma & Loss Care (MLTC) at West London NHS Trust.
The MTLC team literally transformed my pregnancy journey around & gave me some additional lifelong skills on the way.
Hadiss & Terri became my go-to people, with their vast knowledge and experience of mental health they helped me in unimaginable ways. Slowly but surely I spoke out about my worst fears; and actually “cried” them out!
Hadiss gently steered me to being positive towards the pregnancy & helped me connect with my unborn baby. Meanwhile Terri greatly helped me deal with the anxiety of pregnancy after loss, right until the end (including preparation for labour). They filled my sack with tools to deal with anxiety and 3 months postpartum I’m able to hold my ground and avoid PPD and be healthy for my child, which was the main driving force that led me to ask for help.
They are kind, caring, non-judgemental, accommodating and always just a phone call away."
Do you need support?
The Maternity Trauma and Loss Care Service - also known as M-TLC - provides specialist support and treatment to: women and pregnant people, those who have experienced pregnancy or birth, their families and supported network - who are affected by birth trauma or baby loss. Refer yourself today.