Peterhead mother finds healing through second childbirth

A mother from Peterhead, Stacie Buchan, has shared her experiences of giving birth under very different circumstances during the Covid pandemic. Her first child, Ivy, was born in May 2020 during strict lockdown measures. Stacie had to face many challenges alone during this time, as her partner was not allowed to join her in the hospital except for the surgery. Stacie described those early days as very isolating. She spent five days in the hospital without her partner or any visitors. This experience contributed to her struggles with postpartum depression. She reflects on how giving birth during the pandemic impacted her emotionally. When Stacie became pregnant with her second child, Luca, in 2023, she realized the lasting effects of her first experience. Although she knew the pandemic was over, she was still worried about giving birth alone again. She felt anxious and had to leave her job early. However, Stacie’s second birth was a very different experience. This time, her partner could stay with her throughout, and they welcomed visitors at home after Luca’s arrival. Stacie described her feelings during Luca’s birth as joyful and fulfilling. She noted that she didn’t experience the same emotional struggles after his birth as she did with Ivy. Stacie feels that having a positive experience with Luca helped her heal from the trauma of her first birth. She expressed relief at finally moving past her difficulties and stated that this second birth "saved her." She is grateful for the chance to have a birth experience that felt right and believes it gave her a fresh start.