Kelsey Tatton-Brown / HELLP syndrome, code red c-section, slow bonding, postpartum emotions, false COVID-19 diagnosis

In this episode, I speak with Kelsey Tatton-Brown, a beautiful listener who has recently moved through her first Fourth Trimester experience and offered to share her unique story with us all. 

Kelsey speaks of her HELLP Syndrome diagnosis following her code red emergency c-section where her son Boston was delivered while she was under a general anaesthetic. We talk about their first moments, her breastfeeding and pumping experience, her approach to sleep, how having a newborn and such a traumatic birth has affected her relationship, and a recent trip to the hospital for a UTI where Boston was falsely diagnosed with COVID-19. Much of our conversation, however, is dedicated to discussing Kelsey’s slow bonding experience with her son and her heightened emotions during her entry to motherhood. In this, she talks through the various experiences she attributes these feelings to, such as her birth and a previous miscarriage. I don’t know Kelsey personally, but I love and appreciate the rawness of our conversation today and how kind she seems to be to both herself and her family who she loves so dearly. So, thank you, Kelsey, for joining me. 

Just a warning before we begin: today’s episode mentions pregnancy loss and depression so if any of these things are triggering for you, please take care while you’re listening. If you’re worried about your own mental health or that of someone you love, visit mentalhealth.org.nz or call 0800 LIFELINE to seek support.

Follow Kelsey Tatton-Brown on Instagram.

Follow Skye Ross on Instagram.

Follow Motherness on Instagram.