In this compelling and insightful episode, we chat with Libby Mukhi, PMH-C, a postpartum doula, birth story listener, and mother of two. Libby reflects on her challenging experiences with pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.
Living abroad in Australia, Libby expressed her desire to absorb as much knowledge as possible to prepare for her first birth. Despite a smooth pregnancy and high hopes for a vaginal birth, high blood pressure ultimately led to an unplanned induction and c-section birth. The subsequent recovery days in the hospital were marked by anxiety and loneliness, leaving Libby feeling abandoned and traumatized.
Libby shares on how her firstborn's highly sensitive nature added complexities to her postpartum journey and how she craved a nurturing presence. Libby reflects on her second birth, a planned c-section back in the United States, which provided a stark contrast to her first surgical experience. Libby delves into the emotional toll of never experiencing a vaginal birth and the process of getting tubes tied during her last c-section. Libby finds redemption in her second birth, highlighting the importance of advocating for herself and unapologetically asking for what she needs.
Postpartum overstimulation, navigating sibling dynamics and the challenge of introducing a second baby become poignant aspects of Libby's story. Libby reflects on cultural differences surrounding the meaning of community versus support. Libby discusses how her self-worth, shaped by early experiences and living within a hyper-productive and capitalist society, led her to having a strong desire for control. The episode touches on her breastfeeding journey and the decision to release high expectations and perfectionism when making parenting choices.
Libby’s transformative birth experiences eventually inspired her to become a postpartum doula and birth story listener. Enjoy!
Content warnings: quick fertility journey, perfectionism/control, grief/loss, unplanned induction, high blood pressure, GAD, abandonment, epidural, blood in urine, and c-section.
To learn more about Libby and her work as a Birth Story Listener, visit:
https://www.birthstoryprocessing.com/about
Libby's Instagram: @Heartswell.postpartum
Other Resources Mentioned in Episode:
Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com
Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources
To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com
To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com
Share your birth story!
If you are interested in sharing your birth story with our podcast, please get in touch via email or DM us on Instagram! We’d love to hold space for your unique perspective. We can accommodate guests in-person or virtually from any location in the world!
In this compelling and insightful episode, we chat with Libby Mukhi, PMH-C, a postpartum doula, birth story listener, and mother of two. Libby reflects on her challenging experiences with pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.
Living abroad in Australia, Libby expressed her desire to absorb as much knowledge as possible to prepare for her first birth. Despite a smooth pregnancy and high hopes for a vaginal birth, high blood pressure ultimately led to an unplanned induction and c-section birth. The subsequent recovery days in the hospital were marked by anxiety and loneliness, leaving Libby feeling abandoned and traumatized.
Libby shares on how her firstborn's highly sensitive nature added complexities to her postpartum journey and how she craved a nurturing presence. Libby reflects on her second birth, a planned c-section back in the United States, which provided a stark contrast to her first surgical experience. Libby delves into the emotional toll of never experiencing a vaginal birth and the process of getting tubes tied during her last c-section. Libby finds redemption in her second birth, highlighting the importance of advocating for herself and unapologetically asking for what she needs.
Postpartum overstimulation, navigating sibling dynamics and the challenge of introducing a second baby become poignant aspects of Libby's story. Libby reflects on cultural differences surrounding the meaning of community versus support. Libby discusses how her self-worth, shaped by early experiences and living within a hyper-productive and capitalist society, led her to having a strong desire for control. The episode touches on her breastfeeding journey and the decision to release high expectations and perfectionism when making parenting choices.
Libby’s transformative birth experiences eventually inspired her to become a postpartum doula and birth story listener. Enjoy!
Content warnings: quick fertility journey, perfectionism/control, grief/loss, unplanned induction, high blood pressure, GAD, abandonment, epidural, blood in urine, and c-section.
To learn more about Libby and her work as a Birth Story Listener, visit:
https://www.birthstoryprocessing.com/about
Libby's Instagram: @Heartswell.postpartum
Other Resources Mentioned in Episode:
Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com
Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources
To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com
To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com
Share your birth story!
If you are interested in sharing your birth story with our podcast, please get in touch via email or DM us on Instagram! We’d love to hold space for your unique perspective. We can accommodate guests in-person or virtually from any location in the world!