Follow us on social media

Blog - Birth Trauma

Birth Trauma

How to deal with Birth Trauma

While pictures of cute, cuddly newborns often grace the wall of your friends’ Facebook and Instagram, it’s rare to get a glimpse into birth experiences that aren’t so positive. Medical complications or worse, injury or death during birth may be uncommon in this day and age but do happen. There are, however, many incidents of mothers having a birth not go to plan and survive – perhaps not always to tell the tale.

Birth trauma and how it happens

There are many ways birth trauma can occur. What it is though is a state of physical or emotional anguish suffered by the birth mother due to factors related to the birth experience. It is estimated that 1 in 3 women suffer from birth trauma. Effects can appear during or after the birth (both immediate or delayed).

Some possible causes are:

  • Birth not going to plan
  • Prolonged or difficult labour
  • Medical intervention during labour
  • Emergency procedures such as surgery
  • Injury from birth procedures to mother and/or baby
  • Needing medical attention post-delivery
  • Stillbirth or neonatal death
  • Not receiving post-partum care
  • Previous birth trauma
  • Mother having anxiety or existing mental health conditions

Women who have experienced any form of trauma or as a result of violence or abuse before are at risk of experiencing birth trauma.

What to do if you think you have birth trauma

It is quite common for many Mums to experience baby blues – moodiness or low feelings that usually last about two weeks postpartum and generally dissipate. However, if these negative feelings drag on or become more serious to the point where you are unable to care for yourself or your baby, you may be experiencing postnatal depression or PTSD related to birth trauma.

The best thing you can do is to reach out and talk to a trusted individual such as your Doula, medical provider or counsellor. If you think that you’re able to try self-care, meditation, postpartum Yoga or speaking with your spouse or friend who is able to listen freely, can help to manage your negative feelings. Ask for help with the baby from members of your family.

Above all, remember that you’re not alone. If you’re actively seeking support, you can find Postnatal Depression Counsellers in our Directory.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Main Menu