A mother from Swansea says she was left with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-natal depression after what she calls a “traumatic” and “painful” birth that separated her from her newborn son for hours.
Claire Barlow gave birth to her son Osian, who weighed 10lb 3oz, in what she describes as a deeply distressing experience. Osian was born unresponsive and was taken away immediately due to complications. Claire did not see or hold him for more than two hours, a delay that left her fearing her son had died.
The Swansea Bay University Health Board has been contacted for comment.
Felt “Robbed” of Her First Moments With Son
Claire said she was aware her baby might be large but convinced herself his weight would be manageable. Looking back, she believes a caesarean section might have been the safer option. At the time, however, she felt pressure to make an “empowered” birth choice and continued with a natural delivery.
During labour, she experienced complications, including meconium-stained waters and difficulty detecting Osian’s heartbeat. After he was born, she suffered heavy bleeding and was rushed into surgery to remove her placenta. Later, she was told the procedure had been unnecessary.
“I remember thinking I hadn’t even seen my baby. Ten people were helping him and ten people were helping me, and I didn’t know what was happening,” she told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.
She added that during those moments, she feared her son had died in another room and her husband believed she had not survived either.
No Communication, No Reassurance
Claire shared her story during Birth Trauma Awareness Week, expressing frustration at the lack of communication from hospital staff. She said no one informed her of her son’s condition or showed her a photo of him in those early hours.
“It still hurts,” she said. “I could deal with nearly losing my life—but not being told whether my baby was alive or not was something I just can’t forget.”
She said the missed opportunity for immediate skin-to-skin contact made it harder to connect with Osian, particularly while trying to breastfeed.
A Tough Recovery: Physical and Emotional
Following the birth, Claire lost nearly 1.7 litres of blood. Osian was diagnosed with tongue tie, jaundice, and low blood sugar. Claire remained in hospital for five days, where she said she felt pressured to “get on with it” despite her physical and emotional pain.
“By the third day, I thought I was either going to be sectioned or have my baby taken away,” she recalled. “I was overwhelmed and couldn’t process my emotions.”
Support and Speaking Out
Now 13 months old, Osian is healthy and thriving. Claire describes him as the “happiest baby,” and credits her recovery to the strong support of her husband and family.
She continues to take daily medication for PTSD and hopes that by sharing her story, others who have experienced birth trauma will feel less alone.
“Midwives told me this is common, but no one talks about it. That’s why I am,” she said. “It does get better—whether it’s today, tomorrow, or later. Time really does help heal.”
Related topics:
