Memory problems

[Bumblebeeee]

Hi all. Does anyone remember their labour well? I’m watching obem and suddenly got a memory of when my baby was born. I don’t remember much from her being born and can’t remember what she weighed or the time she was born 😪 but I suddenly had this memory like it came back to me. I’m hoping all the rest of my memories come back, well the happy parts x

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hi Bumblebeeee

Good to hear from you. I think it's amazing how watching a television programme can trigger memories when we have had a temporary memory lapse.

My sons were born many years ago but I didn't go into labour. I was induced with my first son due to high blood pressure and had an emergency c-section as he was in distress after waiting all day to make an appearance!! Six years later with my second son, I had an elective c-section.

The only thing I took note of was the time my sons were born. I was out cold the first time but was told the time of birth by my husband the next morning. With my second son I was awake and took note of the time I heard him cry as there was a clock on the wall of the theatre! For years I had forgotten how much each weighed and what happened during my PP until I asked my GP for my notes. As I read my notes it did jog my memory but there were also details which were upsetting, so I wouldn't recommend this to you.

Instead of asking for your notes, it might be an idea just to ask a few details about the weight and time your daughter was born if you would like to know ......

I think your memories will come back .... it's just that they have been put to the back of your mind while you have battled your way through such a hard time. You could ask the nurse at your GP surgery as they do understand how as mums we have so much to remember!

For now, the main thing to remember Bumblebeeee is what a star you are Take good care of yourself. x

[louise4]

Hi, I feel like my cognitive brain and memory have been affected. I don't remember my son's newborn year, I have to look at pictures. And I'm very forgetful now in my everyday. I don't know if it's the psychosis or the medication that's done it? x

[Pikorua Volunteer]

Hello Bumblebeeee,

the body is an amazing mechanism. Quite often in case of traumatising experiences it just can switch off and protects you from any further emotional harm in the long run.

Neurologically everybody reacts differently to experiences. In my case of acute PPP and inappropriate treatment I did not remember much, but have still nowadays strange flash backs. It has been over 9 years since I was sectioned.

My partner disclosed quite a bit over the years, but only gradually as he always has been concerned about my well being and how much I could cope with some of the facts. I believe the final piece of all my struggles was the ongoing mental health challenges and my undiagnosed bipolar till 2018.

Either way can be a dilemma, - do I want to know or don't I? My memory (1st and 2nd yr) has not come back in full. Just bits and bops and I am in acceptance with that. I can not change the past and in my opinion there is a perception of truth, because even if we have a similar experience we can perceive it differently as we are all unique and each observer has seen my coping mechanisms throughout illness and recovery in a different light.

I can not change the past and do not fight the negativity, but celebrate life now.

Take good care...

x