Please note that this episode includes discussions of domestic violence and suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is advised. If these topics are distressing for you, you may wish to skip this episode or listen with support. Relevant Aotearoa/NZ helplines are accessible at the bottom of these show notes.

Naomi’s story is a troubling, heart-wrenching listen. She bravely lets us in on the abuse and trauma she endured as a young first-time mum in a violent relationship with a manipulative man who would later become her husband. Together they had two more children, both healing home births, but the domestic abuse continued.

One day, whilst working a shift as a midwife, Naomi spotted a brochure that stated, “family violence changes the brains of our children.” This realisation was the final straw for Naomi. She knew she needed to protect her babies from growing up in this abusive household, and she left their dad for the final time. He still had contact with the children, though no formal parental agreement was instated. Fuelled by anger and jealousy, when he discovered Naomi had met a new man, he took the children and told her she wouldn’t be getting them back. The police could do nothing. 

Naomi desperately tried to get her children safely back into her care. But after many months of battling the system, and despite a clear history of abuse, including multiple protection orders, Naomi ultimately lost custody of her children to her violent ex. She was utterly powerless to protect her babies, something that nearly killed her.

Find out how Naomi not only found the will to live, but went on to have another baby to a beautiful man, and now works to help heal the hearts of other wounded mothers. Her story is both deeply disturbing and profoundly inspiring.

Also discussed in this episode:

* contemplating abortion

* protection orders for physical and psychological violence

* pressured into medical pain relief - Pethidine & Epidural

* lack of bond with newborn

* Raynaud’s Syndrome (breastfeeding)

* pressured to give formula to baby

* Postnatal depression & anxiety

* Maternal Mental Health support - Aropax

* CBT

* Nursing & midwifery training

* Siblings at birth

* Gambling addiction

* Court appointed psychologist (bias towards father)

* contemplating suicide

* Mama’s Tribe 

* Healing Birth Practitioner Training

* 42 week pregnancy

* PROM & meconium stained waters

* Syntocinon

* healing & empowering cesarean

* Wise Women Network NZ

* sleep consultancy - responsive settling

* postpartum sleep deprivation

Aotearoa/NZ Helplines

Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or free text HELP to 4357

Women’s Refuge 24/7 Crisis Line - 0800 REFUGE (0800 733 843)

Shine (DV support) - 0508 744 633

1737 - Need to talk? Free call or text 1737

Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865

Connect with Naomi on Facebook

Join The Mamas Tribe on Facebook

For coaching (mama, baby or trauma related) with Naomi email her on nurture@naomiruth.nz

Join the Wise Women Network Facebook group

Check out my (Carla's) Healing Birth Practitioner Training course