49. Surviving Birth Trauma: Des Ferrin's Story

In this episode of The Sad Moms Club, we are joined by Des Ferrin, a maternal near miss survivor and birth trauma patient advocate for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Des shares her personal story of postpartum complications and resultant birth trauma. We explore her efforts to bridge the gap between birth trauma and maternal mental health in Utah, including her work with the Utah Women’s Newborn Quality Collaborative. We discuss the importance of a supportive environment for mothers, effective communication in healthcare, and innovative approaches to improving maternal mental health care.

02:47 Desiree's Birth Trauma Story Begins

05:02 Complications After Delivery

08:00 The Hemorrhage and Emergency Response

14:28 Facing a Hysterectomy

32:40 Miraculous Survival and Recovery

34:12 Mental Health Challenges and Seeking Help

40:47 Finding the Right Therapist

46:27 The Importance of Connection and Support

52:57 Advocating for Better Maternal Health Care

01:04:05 Final Thoughts and Hope for the Future

If you have had a traumatic birth while living in Utah, feel free to email Des to discuss setting up a 45 minute interview to share your story and ideas of what would have helped. Her email is dferrin@utah.gov.

If you need help finding a therapist in Utah, go to this website (be sure to filter by your insurance!). Always feel free to reach out and ask for help finding a therapist through my DMs. 

Follow along on The Sad Moms Club's Instagram: @the.sad.moms.club