S5 EP157: Holly Phillips: Hospital Births + Homebirth/Induction/Private OB/Hypertension Diagnosis/Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Perinatal Depression/Perinatal OCD Diagnosis/'High' BMI
Today on the podcast, Holly, a mother of three beautiful boys, shares her contrasting birth experiences and her journey with mental health. At 21, just before a powerlifting competition, Holly unexpectedly discovered she was pregnant. With no prior understanding of physiological birth or available care models, she takes us through the path she chose while navigating a diagnosis of hypertension due to high blood pressure readings.
When she became pregnant with her second child, Holly knew she wanted a more aligned experience. She found an OB who immediately recognised that her previous hypertension diagnosis was actually white coat hypertension, a condition where anxiety in clinical settings causes elevated blood pressure readings. Navigating profound mental health challenges during this pregnancy, Holly shares how connecting with a practitioner helped her manage her mental well-being.
Holly then takes us through the experience of her dream third birth at home and the fight she faced with her BMI reading. A story of unwavering determination and resilience, she shares her journey, filled with highs, lows, and invaluable lessons.
Show Notes:
Personal Instagram: @mshollyphillips
Prolapse Journey: @mum.form
Doula: @the_homegrown_doula
Private Midwife: @sacredmoonmidwifery
Psychologist: Your Place Psychology
Mentioned in this episode:
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