Jen’s Story

From the moment I gave birth, I came undone. Due to Covid policies and an under-staffed ward, I was left to labour alone for 10 hours - no partner to hold my hand, no midwife to administer pain relief. No one came until I was ready to push. My husband was finally called, and arrived 25 minutes before our son was born. I left the hospital with PTSD. As I fumbled through the early days of newborn life, my father received a cancer diagnosis and died 3 weeks later.

I spiralled with grief and post-natal anxiety, and struggled to find the joy that should have accompanied my new life as a Mum. I sought help. A weekly phone call with a counsellor, named Sue, became my lifeline. I never saw her face, but I will always remember her voice. At Mother Nurture a therapy group for new mums, I found myself surrounded by women who affirmed my feelings and experiences, and who didn’t retreat from my pain. In that little room, which held our bodies, our babies, our tears and our inner-most thoughts, I had space to mend.

Image and text courtesy of Holly Stone Photography as part of her “Grow: A Journey Into Motherhood” exhibition, in partnership with Release Counselling and Therapy for Women.