I am a woman. I am a daughter. I am a sister. I am an educated individual. I am a wife. I am a mother. I am an advocate. I am me.
I am me. But, does everyone know the real me? Sometimes I feel as though I keep a major part of my life locked away, accessible to only those who I know will not judge nor stigmatize. Since the obstetric trauma, in March 2008, I feel as though I have compartmentalized pieces of myself. In starting my blog, in August 2011, I became an advocate. Though largely anonymous, my blog seeks to expose people to the very real ramifications of birth trauma, both emotional and physical. My journey in blogging led me to becoming a Patient Ambassador for Medtronic Interstim therapy, and a facilitator for our local bowel disorders support group. These two endeavors allow me to continue my advocacy in a somewhat sheltered and “safe” environment. Safe from judgement, safe from ridicule, safe from potential embarrassment.
I’m ready for more. Too often, very real medical issues are glossed over in society because of an “ick” factor, a stigmatization. I am ready to be a face of birth trauma, of fecal incontinence after childbirth, of PTSD after childbirth. This is me. I am a real person. I am a young women. I suffered obstetric trauma. I became incontinent of feces. I suffered PTSD after childbirth. I got the help I needed. I attended therapy. I became an advocate. I am a woman of triumph. I am ready to share.
I am ready to share with all. I’m ready to really “expose” myself in the hopes that I may reach people who may never have the courage to seek the help they need without having a very real person to relate to. I am ready.
Thanks for reading,
Lauren
peaceoutofpieces 
Eileen Hovey Said:
on March 20, 2014 at 5:01 pm
We are so proud of you! You go Lauren.
peace4lauren Said:
on March 20, 2014 at 6:12 pm
Thank You! 🙂 -Lauren
Sherry Said:
on March 20, 2014 at 5:51 pm
Exactly how I feel. I think we are forced as women to just expose the good a glowing pregnancy, a beautiful birthing experience, a great postpartum period back to normal within a 6 week time frame., etc and if it is all not just blissful we just keep it in and suffer alone. I have experienced it myself both an amazing pregnancy with a great postpartum period and a hard pregnancy with still lingering issues 19 months postpartum including fecal incontience, bowel issues being told something looks not quite right down there and we do hide our suffering self and whether it is attributed to our pregnancies or the after math stress of being a mother, wife, full time worker, student Etc..who knows but indeed we try our best too be strong on the outside and hide our suffering self inside letting it peek out to those we feel might understand or be able to help. I am ready too!
peace4lauren Said:
on March 20, 2014 at 6:11 pm
Sherry-Thanks for your comment. Every story makes us our collective voice stronger! I support you and your willingness to “be ready.” Best of luck 🙂 -Lauren
safer midwifery utah Said:
on March 21, 2014 at 6:04 pm
Reblogged this on Ex Natural Childbirth Advocates and commented:
a safe place to talk about birth trauma (physical or mental)