HOW TO WRITE YOUR BIRTH STORY:
A PATH TO HEALING
• How did you feel when you found out you were pregnant?
• Did you have any symptoms or problems during your pregnancy?
• What were you doing when you went into labor?
• Where did you give birth? Who was there?
• How were you treated by your doctor and hospital staff?
• If a partner was present, what did they say and do in the delivery room?
• How far along were your contractions? How long did you push?
• Were there any problems during delivery? What happened?
• Describe the moment you first saw your baby. How did you feel?
• Did you or your baby need medical attention after the birth? Why?
• How long did you stay in the hospital? Who came to visit?
• How did it feel when you came home from the hospital?
Getting started
Writing about your birth story is a powerful way to heal
from a frightening birth experience. As you set out to
write your story, ask your partner, doula or someone
else you trust to support your journey. We’ve also put
together these six steps to help you get started.
STEP 1: Write your story
in any way that feels right.
STEP 2: Tap into your senses
during the birth experience.
STEP 3: Consider going over
your medical records.
STEP 4: Tell your birth story
to people who were there.
STEP 6: Share your birth
story with other parents.
STEP 5: Re-read your birth
story for extra details.
If you had a difficult delivery, you might not remember or
understand the medical issues that came up. At your
postpartum visit, ask your doctor to go over the details and
answer your questions. But keep in mind that this talk can
open up any trauma, so consider your emotions before
having the discussion.
Get your thoughts down as soon as possible–even within the
first few days after giving birth. Don’t worry about grammar,
punctuation or format. Use paragraphs or bullets, write in a
journal or on your computer. Draw pictures if that helps. Just
get it all out in a way that works for you.
Close your eyes, and think back to your baby’s birth. What
did you see, hear or smell? If a family member took photos,
look at the pictures. Did you have a labor playlist? If so, play
the songs while you write. Music has a way of unlocking
memories and emotions.
Who was with you during the birth? Tell them what you
experienced before you ask them what they saw. After you’ve
given your version of events, get their input to help you fill in
any gaps you might have.
Sharing your birth story is a personal decision. You might want
to keep your story to yourself, or you might find strength in
sharing your story with other parents online. March of Dimes
offers a special place where you can share your story.
THOUGHT STARTERS
After you’ve written down your thoughts, walk away. Come
back in a few days—or even a few months—to re-read what
you wrote. By giving yourself time to process your experience,
you might have a different view. Add any extra details or
thoughts at this time.
When writing your birth story, here are some questions to help you along. These are just a
guide, so only include what applies to you—and, of course, add any other personal details.
