20 years ago, I was given a tour of the maternity ward before the birth of my daughter. The first room I was shown as I was walked into the ward on the right, was the Bereavement Suite.

Both of my children were born at Northampton General hospital. My daughter was born in March 2006 and my son January 2008. My daughter was in back-to-back position. Meconium was present. I was screaming that I wanted to die because the pain was horrendous. I was given pethidine with no effect

After a traumatic first birth with a 3b tear and operation I was petrified of giving birth again. I opted for an elective c section to try and get more control.
My elective c section went badly wrong.

I had a healthy pregnancy until I reached 36 weeks, when a scan found the baby was on the bigger side. I went into labour nine days before my due date, and was repeatedly turned away from the hospital until eventually being admitted. I was given medication for raised blood pressure, as well as gas and air, which did nothing for the pain.

I’m Chloe and I'm 31 years old. I had my daughter in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. I suffer with PTSD due to the birth trauma and it’s extremely hard now as I am expecting my second daughter later this year.

I went into labour with my first child on a Sunday morning, and managed well through the day at home. By the evening the contractions were becoming more painful, and being unsure, we went into hospital.

My partner and I decided to start trying for a baby and were very lucky to fall pregnant quite quickly. I had morning sickness but I was never sick – a very normal and healthy pregnancy. I never made a birth plan to save disappointment and my midwife fully supported this.

I was 17 when I found out I was pregnant. I was very shocked at first but always dreamed of having a beautiful baby and family so I decided to keep my blessing.

After having IVF and a rough pregnancy, something I now realise they don't prepare you for is if complications arise during labour.

After a 10-year gap, the news had arrived. I was expecting my second child. I was extremely excited about it all, especially as I had recently completed my midwifery degree. I was confident this time round I knew my options and rights and I was determined to have full control over my birth. However, that is not exactly the way the story ended

I can’t say being a mother was something I had always dreamed of. There was always a nagging voice in the back of my mind telling me there is no chance I can take care of a child because I can barely take care of myself. Yet there I was, lying on a hospital bed with a midwife’s hand inside me and a thin blue sheet separating me from the other expectant mothers in the room.

When people hear the term PTSD, they think of a mental health condition that soldiers suffer after witnessing horrors of war. No one really believes that it can happen to a woman following the birth of her baby. Birth is supposed to be a glorious, life-changing event when precious memories are created that will be cherished of the rest of the woman’s life. But that wasn’t the case for me.

It’s all very blurry and I missed out on bonding with my baby. For weeks after the birth I didn’t believe he was mine or that he had a name.

The next time somebody tells you that their baby's birth didn't go to plan, empathise and support her, because just because her baby is OK, that doesn’t mean she is.