Shawna: Wonderful Pregnancy, Empowering Home Birth, Followed by Postpartum Psychosis

Shawna from California joins Liz & Natalie to share the birth story of her son. Shawna was unsure if she would ever have kids but had a change of heart and got pregnant very quickly. She quickly decided on a home birth after watching “The Business of Being Born”. She hired a midwife and doula. She enjoyed her pregnancy and experienced an empowering home birth.

Around 7 weeks postpartum, she started to experience heightened energy and the need to write every single thought down. Her mania continued over the next few days and culminated in an involuntary hold at a mental institute. Shawna was suffering from postpartum psychosis which is a severe mental health emergency that includes mania, detachment from reality and hallucinations. 

This is part 1 of 2 of Shawna’s story. We want to thank Shawna for sharing her deeply personal story with us. It was difficult for her to find resources and connect with others who have experienced similar struggles so she is very passionate about sharing her own journey to recovery in hopes that others can find support. 

If you are struggling or know someone who is struggling, please reach out for support. Postpartum Support International has many resources. Check their website out at https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/postpartum-psychosis-help/