Birth Story Circles: Shocking Truths, Real Talk, & Raw Realities Revealed
When we opened the floor at our last Birth Story Circle, we knew we were creating space for meaningful conversations. What we didn’t expect was the sheer depth of emotion and truth that would pour out. The stories were overwhelming, often shocking, and undeniably powerful. They revealed not just the beauty of birth but also the pain, trauma, and resilience woven into so many mothers' experiences.
Some moms shared tales of joyful pregnancies that took terrifying turns during labor—emergency situations where baby heart rates dropped without warning or life-threatening hemorrhages struck after delivery. Others had already been through so much, enduring debilitating sickness throughout pregnancy and facing impossible decisions about whether to continue or end their pregnancies.
The challenges didn't end with delivery. One mom courageously spoke about her disappointment with in-laws who failed to provide the support she desperately needed while her own family lived far away. Another revealed how she only realized the depth of her loneliness after helping her sister navigate pregnancy and postpartum, reflecting on the absence of that same support in her own journey.
There were stories of physical struggles that left us in awe. One mom recounted being paralyzed from the waist down for two months after giving birth, grappling with the heartache of not being able to fully care for her baby while struggling to regain control of her body.
The theme of medical trauma surfaced repeatedly—mean nurses, dismissive doctors, and a lack of compassionate care during the most vulnerable moments of motherhood. Some moms spoke of enduring the agony of multiple epidurals that weren’t administered properly, with their pain left unchecked. Others recalled the frustration and fear of their husbands being sent out of the room during critical moments, leaving them alone to face frightening procedures.
The theme of medical trauma surfaced repeatedly—mean nurses, dismissive doctors, and a lack of compassionate care during the most vulnerable moments of motherhood. Some moms spoke of enduring the agony of multiple epidurals that weren’t administered properly, with their pain left unchecked. Others recalled the frustration and fear of their husbands being sent out of the room during critical moments, leaving them alone to face frightening procedures.
Yet, amid the stories of heartbreak and struggle, there were moments of profound gratitude. Many moms expressed deep appreciation for partners who stood by their sides, advocating fiercely with medical staff when things went wrong. One mother described the terror her husband faced when she was rushed to the ER after a hemorrhage, left alone to care for their infant while fearing he might lose her forever.
One particularly moving moment came from a mom who is also a doula. Having recently experienced a miscarriage, she brought invaluable insights and compassion to the circle. Despite carrying her own private grief—the loss of a baby who never saw the world—she selflessly supported other moms who had endured difficult births, offering guidance, empathy, and strength. It wasn’t until the very end that she shared her own pain, leaving the room in awe of her generosity and resilience.
During the circle, many moms also opened up about the overwhelming pressure of societal expectations around motherhood. Several expressed deep guilt for not feeling that instant, overwhelming love for their babies—something society often implies is automatic. Despite years of longing for a child, or overcoming immense struggles to even get pregnant, many moms found themselves questioning if something was wrong with them.
The common feeling expressed was one of intense confusion and guilt: “And now what?” Their babies were here, but the flood of emotions they expected didn’t come. Instead, they felt a sense of disconnect, unsure of what to do with this crying newborn and the overwhelming weight of responsibility. For some, it was the stark realization that life would never be the same, and the joy they had hoped for felt distant.
Yet, amid these raw confessions, the support and wisdom of our facilitators, Adrian and Victoria, were a beacon of hope. They gently guided the circle with such compassion, providing invaluable insights that validated the emotions many of the moms were feeling. Their wisdom reminded us all that there is no one right way to feel after birth, and that it’s okay to feel confused, overwhelmed, or disconnected.
Despite the horrific memories—some still painfully fresh, others a decade old—the room was filled with an astonishing mix of tears and laughter. Moms somehow managed to crack jokes, their humor a reminder of the incredible resilience of the human spirit. The sound of laughter cutting through tears created a powerful energy that united everyone in the room.
The support that poured from mom to mom was profound. As stories unfolded, the validation that so many women urgently needed came rushing in—an unspoken acknowledgment of shared pain, strength, and survival. Each story was met with empathy, encouragement, and sometimes simply a hand to hold.
Our Birth Story Circles are not just a place to share experiences but a sanctuary where moms can feel seen, heard, and understood. The stories may have been overwhelming, but they were also inspiring, a testament to the strength of mothers and the power of connection. Thank you to every mom who shared their truth. You’ve made this circle more than a gathering—you’ve made it a movement.
Future circles are already in the works, but they won’t return until the beginning of next year. Stay tuned by following us on Instagram and Facebook, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about upcoming events. Together, we’ll continue to heal, connect, and empower.
