STEPS FOR YOUR OWN RECOVERY

You need to take your time to get through your trauma or your depression; nobody should tell you when you should be over it. There is no time limit on healing, therefore allow your mind and body to set the pace. Learn How to Recognize PN PTSD. Please work on the following advice at your own speed:

• Find a trusted person(s) to talk to about the trauma	• Feed your spirit with good things
• Learn more	• Try to bond with your baby
• Take every day as it comes	• Participate in workshops

BUY THE BOOK Find more about How to Recognize PN PTSD and the way to recovery in Real Healing After Caesarean, by Martha Jesty. First book in the UK written by a PN PTSD survivor and soon to become a Non-Fiction book-based film.

PARTICIPATE IN WORKSHOPS PTSD survivorsLearning about symptoms, causes & treatment Bonding with your child Learning the first steps of bonding with your baby or child Therapeutic Activities Learn how to  cope with your trauma)      Therapeutic Tango for couples For those struggling with trauma or going through a separation process

FIND A COUNSELLOR Martha Jesty, member of the BACP- British Association for Counsellors and Therapists, is an experienced counsellor who can listen 'to your concerns. Profits from appointments will go to Help Women and Children. For an appointment please click here.

Find a trusted person(s) to talk to about the trauma:
They need to be empathetic, non-judgmental, and attentive listeners. Your husband may be this person. Be aware, however, that he is likely to be affected by the trauma too, and may feel blamed or at fault for things that happened.  Therefore you might decide to seek a qualified professional to get you through this rough spot. Find a counsellor.

Learn more.
Real Healing After Caesarean is the first book written by a Post Natal PTSD survivor in the UK. It is recommended for sufferers as well as for the health professionals to get to understand trauma after childbirth.

Take every day as it comes
Your mind is attempting to process many things while still allowing you to function in the present. Be aware of your limitations; don't try to do too much. If you were to deal with these events emotionally, it might take all of your time, energy, and life. This is impossible to do because you are undergoing a healing process and you need to deal with everyday life with a newborn baby.

Feed your spirit with good things that feel light
Like listening to your favourite music with meaningful wording. Read poems, ancient proverbs, and thoughts/sayings that make sense of your situation and try to write them down and put them in places where you will see them. Participate in our Therapeutic workshops to make jewellery, make up, Spanish classes to give you a time off from motherhood.

Try to bond with your baby
it will take some time, but it will work. Not all bonding takes place immediately after birth. When you are with your baby, try not to do two things at the same time (like watching TV, or talking on the phone). Make eye contact with your baby and talk or sing in soothing tones to her/him. Try to establish little routines throughout the day that will give you time one-on-one, such as giving her/him baby massage or having a learning time where she/he can learn a new skill.

Participate in workshops
Meet with people that have had similar experiences.  Discussions in a non-judgmental environment are very helpful.  Accept what help people can offer, e.g. a family member may not understand your illness but is only too willing to offer babysitting whenever it's needed. Go to workshops and conferences that will guide you to your full recovery.