First Pregnancy & Birth
Claudia’s first pregnancy unfolded during the COVID pandemic while she was working in emergency medicine. As a first-time mother and healthcare worker, she faced increased stress and uncertainty throughout her pregnancy.
Induction, Epidural & NICU Stay
She had a surprise induction which resulted in an epidural vaginal delivery. After birth, her baby required a short stay in the NICU, adding another emotional layer to her early postpartum experience.
Postpartum Challenges & Diagnosis
In the months following the birth, Claudia struggled with a low milk supply due to hypoplasia and began to experience postpartum anxiety and depression. Nine months after giving birth, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, compounding an already difficult time.
Treatment between pregnancy
Between her pregnancies, Claudia focused deeply on her mental health through faith, meditation, hypnosis, medication, and strong family support. This period became a foundation for both emotional and physical healing.
Second Pregnancy & Childbirth without drugs
With deliberate preparation, Claudia approached her second birth differently and achieved an unmedicated birth. This experience felt empowering and aligned with the work she had done to support her mental health.
Redemptive postpartum experience
Her second postpartum period was noticeably different, bringing a sense of peace and healing. Claudia describes this season as liberating, highlighting the impact of support, preparation and self-work.
About Claudia Gibbons
Claudia Gibbons is a 35-year-old physician assistant who works in emergency medicine. She lives in Connecticut with her husband Matt and their two daughters, ages 5 and 1.
RESOURCES REFERRED TO
Applications and tools
- Expecting and Empowered App — A fitness and pelvic floor program designed for pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
- Headspace App — A guided meditation app that Claudia used to support her mental health.
Books
Websites & Support
- KellyMom.com — Evidence-based breastfeeding and parenting resource.
- La Leche League — A global organization offering breastfeeding education and support.
SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Aeroflow Breastpumps. Aeroflow helps millions of parents access breast pumps, milk storage bags, maternity compression garments and breastfeeding support through insurance – making it easy to get what you need without the added stress. Visit AeroflowBreastpumps.com/birthhour to fill out the quick Qualifying Insurance form and use the code TIME OF BIRTH15 with 15% off supplies and accessories.
FAQ
Q: What is it like to have an induction and an epidural during your first birth?
A: Claudia describes her surprise induction leading to an epidural vaginal delivery as both physically and emotionally intense, especially as a first-time mom during COVID. The additional NICU stay made the experience even more overwhelming.
Q: Can low milk supply be due to hypoplasia?
A: Yes, Claudia experienced a low milk supply due to hypoplasia, which can affect breast tissue development and milk production. This challenge contributed to her postpartum anxiety and required her to seek additional support.
Q: How do you deal with a postpartum cancer diagnosis?
A: Claudia shares that being diagnosed with thyroid cancer nine months postpartum had a profound effect on her mental health. Over time, she relied on faith, healing tools like meditation and hypnosis, medication, and family support to heal.
Q: How can a second birth feel liberating after a difficult first experience?
A: Claudia intentionally prepared for her second birth with mental health support and education, which led to an unmedicated birth and a much more positive postpartum experience. She emphasizes that the treatment between pregnancies made a significant difference.
CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA
E-mail: [email protected]
ABOUT THE TIME OF BIRTH
The Birth Hour is a birth story podcast hosted by Bryn Huntpalmer. With over 1,000 episodes and 28 million downloads, it’s one of the longest-running pregnancy and birth podcasts in the world. New episodes are posted every week — no medication, epidural, home birth, hospital birth, c-section, VBAC and everything in between.
Listen: Search for “The Birth Hour” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any podcast app.
Lesson: Know your options
Patreon: patreon.com/thebirthhour
