Bringing a new life into the world is often described as a joyful and life-changing experience. However, for some, the journey of childbirth can be riddled with emotional and psychological challenges, resulting in what is known as birth trauma. All birth is physically traumatic–some more so than others. But, birth trauma can leave lasting scars on a parent’s mental health and well-being, and it is crucial to unpack and address these feelings. In this blog post, we will explore birth trauma and its potential causes and offer guidance on how to cope and heal from this often-overlooked aspect of childbirth.
Understanding Birth Trauma
Birth trauma is a distressing psychological experience that can occur during labor and delivery, leaving parents with feelings of fear, helplessness, and sometimes guilt. It is essential to recognize that birth trauma can affect anyone, regardless of their birth plan or whether they gave birth vaginally or via cesarean section. Here are some common factors that may contribute to birth trauma:
- Unplanned Medical Interventions: Emergency interventions such as forceps, vacuum extraction, or emergency c-sections can be traumatizing, especially if you have hopes for a natural, low-intervention birth.
- Loss of Control: Feeling powerless or ignored during labor can lead to a sense of trauma. This can include decisions being made without your consent or a lack of communication from medical professionals. Often, we don’t recognize things that were done to us without our consent until we begin to process the events and realize precisely what happened. It’s not your fault.
- Complications or Health Concerns: Any complications during childbirth, whether for you or your baby, can be emotionally distressing.
- Emotional Support: Insufficient emotional support from partners, family members, or medical staff can exacerbate feelings of trauma. (This is where we recommend adding one of our trained, professional birth doulas to your birth team.)
- Previous Trauma: Individuals with a history of trauma, especially related to sexual assault or previous difficult births, may be more vulnerable to birth trauma.
Coping with Birth Trauma
Coping with birth trauma requires acknowledging and processing the emotions associated with the experience. Here are some steps to help you cope:
- Seek Professional Help: Consider speaking with a therapist or counselor specializing in trauma or postpartum mental health. Therapy can provide a safe space to express your feelings and learn coping strategies. Visit www.postpartum.net to view professional resources in your area.
- Connect with Supportive Communities: Joining support groups or online forums where you can connect with others who have experienced birth trauma can provide a sense of validation and understanding. We’ll add some group links below.
- Share Your Story: Talking about your birth experience with a trusted friend or family member can be therapeutic. Sharing your feelings can help you process the trauma. Putting your feelings down on paper and connecting them to words can help tremendously. If you want to share publicly, we’re happy to publish your story on our blog.
- Self-Care: Prioritize self-care to nurture your mental and emotional well-being. This can include activities like meditation, mindfulness, exercise, or pursuing hobbies you enjoy.
- Educate Yourself: Understanding the birth process, potential complications, and your rights as a patient can empower you to advocate for yourself during future pregnancies or birth experiences. If you’re trying to conceive or are pregnant and reading this, register for childbirth education classes at the top of your to-do list. Four centimeters and in a hospital bed is not an appropriate time to receive a crash course in childbirth education.
Healing and Moving Forward
Healing from birth trauma is a unique journey for each individual. It’s essential to be patient with yourself and allow time for recovery. Here are some additional tips to help you heal:
- Practice Self-Compassion: Avoid self-blame and recognize that your feelings are valid. Be gentle with yourself as you work through your emotions. Childbirth is like a Choose Your Own Adventure book; no one can predict what will happen if you choose option A instead of option B. Don’t cling to guilt or regret. Don’t let it eat away at you.
- Bond With Your Baby: Building a strong bond with your baby can help promote healing. Skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and spending quality time together can foster a deep connection. Hire a postpartum doula who can help facilitate these bonding activities and balance them with getting adequate rest.
- Consider Future Birth Plans: If you have experienced birth trauma and are ready to add to your family again, discuss your birth preferences and concerns with your provider. Developing a clear birth plan can help reduce anxiety.
- Hire a Doula: We already mentioned this, but the statistics and research show that doulas positively impact birth outcomes, including birth experience satisfaction. We don’t possess a magic wand and can’t guarantee there won’t be trauma to work through or that you’ll have THE perfect birth experience. Still, sometimes, our professional and compassionate support can feel a little magical.
Birth trauma is a complex and often misunderstood aspect of childbirth. Acknowledging and addressing the emotional impact it can have on you (and your partner) is essential. By seeking professional help, connecting with support communities, and practicing self-care, you can begin healing and move toward a brighter, more positive postpartum experience. Remember, you are not alone in your journey.
Facebook Groups
For locals: Fayetteville NC Natural Birth & Parenting
Nationwide: Natural Birth & Parenting
Postpartum Support International: PSI Facebook Group