Episode 5: A Difficult Time in 1979, with Priscilla Mañasco

KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, pre-eclampsia, assisted delivery, birth trauma, suspected embolism, blood transfusion, postnatal depression

We're heading back to 1979 for this episode, as Priscilla Mañasco tells us about having her only child - a daughter - at the old St Bernard's hospital.

Antenatal care has certainly changed since those days: Priscilla describes the many different practices surrounding health check-ups, feeding advice, visiting rules at the hospital and washing cloth nappies, plus how she felt old as a first-time mother... at 26!

Priscilla suffered pre-eclampsia in the later stages of pregnancy and endured a lengthy labour in distressing conditions: she describes a violent forceps delivery, a very hostile consultant and intimidated nurses. It's a difficult listen as dramatic events unfolded when her daughter was born. Her recovery included a suspected postnatal embolism, a blood transfusion and undiagnosed postnatal depression. Priscilla's late husband was very supportive, but she reflects on her mental health toll from the traumatic birth experience... including how it influenced the decision not to further grow their family.

Her description of adjusting to early motherhood while returning to full-time work is a fascinating snapshot of life on the Rock in the late seventies and early eighties. This episode (recorded November 2024) makes for a compelling listen, and I'd like to thank Priscilla so much for bravely sharing her experience.

Find more about Priscilla's story and the podcast on Instagram: born_on_the_rock

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