Are you suffering from trauma after your baby or babies spent time in the NICU? Have you brushed off symptoms of trauma or PTSD? How could you suffer from PTSD when your baby only spent a few days in the NICU?
Trauma is the result from an upsetting experience. That is it. It results from any experience that is disturbing and overwhelms your ability to cope. There is not a definitive scope that defines trauma.
I used to minimize my trauma after my stressful pregnancy, our son’s emergent delivery, and his time in the NICU because despite being severely premature, we were able to bring him home and he was healthy. How could that be traumatic when so many other NICU parents were unable to bring their babies home or their children had such complex medical needs. Why was I struggling on certain days at home or professionally when I had such an amazing blessing and miracle right in front of me?
But, no one can define my trauma, just as I cannot define yours. If your experience was less than ideal, that can affect you for years to come if it is not dealt with appropriately.
Jessica, a mother of 33 weeks and I discuss how although her boys did not have any major setbacks while they were in the NICU, the experience was difficult for her. The anticipated delivery of her boys, the immediate time thereafter, and not bringing them home right away has continued to affect her.
After listening, you will realize that trauma may look different for everyone. The ability to identify and cope through NICU trauma is an evolving and personal process. We help you to identify symptoms of trauma and to remind you that you are not alone.
Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode21
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Empowering NICU Parents FB Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents
Website Link: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode21
iTunes link: Empowering NICU Parents Podcast
