How are you feeling?
These experiences can often be life-changing and traumatic. They can often bring with them feelings of deep sadness, guilt, anger, shame and anxiety.
It can be difficult to find the words or find someone to talk openly about how you feel, and this can lead to a sense of isolation which can impact wellbeing.
You may find it difficult to process your loss and trauma and as a result, may experience flashbacks, panic attacks and nightmares which can be scary and distressing.
You may have experienced feelings of loss of control, not being heard, or not knowing what was going on during your pregnancy and/or birth, which has resulted in birth trauma and is having an effect on your wellbeing. Birth trauma looks different for everyone but can result in experiences of flashbacks, panic attacks, nightmares and anxiety related to your pregnancy/birthing experience.
These experiences can be difficult to talk about and manage by yourself. Some people may need therapy to help process their experiences.
How can we help?
P-TLC provides psychological therapy to women and birthing people who are experiencing complicated/traumatic grief or symptoms of PTSD following perinatal trauma or loss. We work with those that have experienced a loss at any stage of pregnancy, including early miscarriage, recurrent miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, stillbirth, neonatal death and termination of pregnancy for medical reasons.
The service also provides support for those that are pregnant and are experiencing mental health difficulties associated with previous birth trauma or loss.
What support is available?
We have a small team of Psychologists and Assistant Psychologists who provide individual and group therapy. We also have our Specialist Midwife who can provide antenatal education, individualised birth planning and advice and support early postnatally. Laura and Lizzy, our wonderful Peer Support Workers, work alongside the therapists and can share their stories, offer emotional support and signposting.
How can I be referred to this service?
If you think you need extra support in your journey, please speak to one of the following people who can refer you to the service:
- a community midwife
- a bereavement midwife
- a specialist midwife
- a professional within LPFT if you are already accessing an LPFT service
- your GP or mental health professional at your GP practice
Meet our Peer Support Workers
Laura’s story
Laura is from Lincoln. She accessed LPFT support services after losing her baby when he was five days old. Laura now works part time for LPFT, helping other women and birthing people who have experienced/are experiencing similar things.
Laura said: “I hope by using my lived experience, I can support you, lend a relatable ear, and guide you through your mental health and grief journey.
“I can use my experience to signpost you to make sure you get the best care at this time.”
Lizzy’s story
Lizzy is from Sleaford. She also works part time and is based in Grantham but works Lincolnshire-wide.
Lizzy said: “My first child was stillborn and during the time following this, I experienced some mental health challenges.
“LPFT services were a great support to me during this period.“
“My second pregnancy was an anxious time and again at this time, I received help from LPFT services, which supported me through the pregnancy and after our daughter was born.
“I hope that I am able to use my lived experience to support other women and birthing people on their journeys. “
