Ep31: Birth Trauma; It Wasn't Supposed To Be Like This, with Joe and Flo — Westmorland

Joe and Flo join Olly ahead of the Westmorland marathon this Saturday, 15th August, to talk about their experience of birth trauma, postnatal depression and PTSD following the birth of their first son, Lockie.After a 76-hour labour and a traumatic birth, Flo struggled with postnatal depression and PTSD, eventually spending around 18 months accessing therapy and support. Joe also reflects on how the experience affected him, as they both found themselves caught up in simply getting through the next day, the next feed, and the next challenge.They discuss the importance of recognising that difficult experiences don't need to be compared, the impact trauma can have on both parents, and how running became an important outlet for Joe.With the arrival of their second son, Rory, they experienced a very different birth — one that ultimately felt healing.Joe will join Olly for this week's marathon in Westmorland, taking on a seriously hilly route as they summit Helvellyn in the Lake District.👉 Follow the journey and support the cause at marathonsformiracles.comThis episode contains discussions around birth trauma, postnatal depression, PTSD. Experiences shared are personal and are not a substitute for medical advice. Listener discretion is advised.