Life, as I knew it, was over: Traumatic Birth Injury and Pelvic Organ Prolapse with Stephanie Thompson

Get Real: Talking mental health & disability

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Imagine going through a traumatic childbirth injury, then finding out you have severe pelvic organ prolapse, an invisible and life-altering disability. How would you cope? Our guest for this episode is Stephanie Thompson, a courageous mother, teacher, athlete, and advocate for women's pelvic health. Stephanie shares her harrowing journey, the impact on her physical and mental well-being, and how she's found healing through her platform, Brave Mumma.
Stephanie recounts her unexpected whirlwind of medical interventions during childbirth, which left her with little control over her own experience. We also explore the broader implications of pelvic organ prolapse on mental health, relationships, career, and motherhood.
Tune in to hear Stephanie's story and how she's turning her pain into purpose, empowering others to navigate their own journeys with pelvic organ prolapse.
Find out more about Stephanie at BRAVE MUMMA and buy her book The Day My Vagina Broke
If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:

• 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
• Lifeline on 13 11 14

Other helpful organisations that Stephanie recommends:

• Continence Foundation of Australia
• PANDA
• Australasian Birth Trauma Association

ermha365 provides mental health and disability support for people in Victoria and the Northern Territory. Find out more about our services at our website.
CREDITS
Produced, hosted and edited by Emily Webb, ermha365 Advocacy and External Communications Advisor with Karenza Louis-Smith, CEO ermha365.
Follow ermha365 on social media:
FACEBOOK - @ermhaorg
TWITTER - @ermha365
INSTAGRAM -

ermha365 provides mental health and disability support for people in Victoria and the Northern Territory. Find out more about our services at our website.
Helplines (Australia):
Lifeline 13 11 14
QLIFE 1800 184 527
13 YARN 13 92 76
Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467
ermha365 acknowledges that our work in the community takes place on the Traditional Lands of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and therefore respectfully recognise their Elders, past and present, and the ongoing Custodianship of the Land and Water by all Members of these Communities.
We recognise people with lived experience who contribute to GET REAL podcast, and those who love, support and care for them. We recognise their strength, courage and unique perspective as a vital contribution so that we can learn, grow and achieve better outcomes together.

Luvut

1. Life, as I knew it, was over: Traumatic Birth Injury and Pelvic Organ Prolapse with Stephanie Thompson (00:00:00)

2. Childbirth Trauma and Lack of Trust (00:12:27)

3. Limited Options in Childbirth (00:18:15)

4. Childbirth Communication Trauma (00:24:22)

5. Pelvic Health Education for Women (00:34:31)

6. Living With Pelvic Organ Prolapse (00:38:50)

7. Surviving and Thriving With Prolapse (00:45:53)

8. Impact of Incontinence and Disabilities (00:49:58)

9. Mental Health and Support for Prolapse (01:06:18)