Healing from Birthing Trauma: A Journey of Resilience and Hope

Birthing trauma leaves you feeling defeated and leaves behind more than just physical scars. Giving birth can imprint emotional and mental scars, influencing the mothers connection with the newborn and causing profound changes. The pregnancy journey, from beginning to end, is not only about the visible aspects but also the emotional wellbeing that deserves acknowledgment.

Birthing Trauma

The pregnancy journey and birthing experience can be empowering, beautiful, and transformative—a season of growth. It can also be painful, overwhelming and traumatic—a season of adversity . Each experience is unique and comes with its own set of challenges, triumphs, and the potential for profound self-discovery.

A traumatic birthing experience can be enduring medical complications, requiring additional surgeries and procedures, the potential or actual loss of you or your baby, or it can be the experience of severe injury and an extended recovery process₁. Research shows that up to 45% of new moms report experiencing a traumatic birthing process₂. This means — YOU ARE NOT ALONE. — And to add to that, around 17% of parents that are impacted by birthing trauma experience post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a severe disorder that impacts emotional and physical functioning ₃.

Signs & Symptoms of Birth Trauma

Signs of birth trauma vary per person and can be experienced for fluctuating periods of time. The signs and symptoms are closely related to post traumatic stress disorder, however, you don’t have to meet the criteria of PTSD in order to have experienced a traumatic pregnancy or birthing process.

Below are a few common side effects of birthing trauma:

• Intrusive thoughts, memories, or flashbacks.

• Nightmares and/or sleep impairment

• Avoidance or feeling numb

• Hyperarousal, irritability, feeling on edge, or difficulty focusing

Emotional Toll on Mothers

After going through an intense labor trauma the mother is left trying to put the pieces of herself back together and trying to hold them in place in order to be present for the newborn. This can impact the mothers ability to feel emotionally connected with the infant₅. Along with the impact on the attachment between mother and baby the mother experiences guilt and shame. Shame in feeling like they are a ‘bad mom,’ shame for thinking thoughts that don’t align with societal view of ‘motherhood,’ and for so many other reasons. Some studies show that a distressing delivery can affect the desire of going through the birthing process again ₄. These symptoms and experiences put them at higher risk for mental health issues.

Some women may be more negatively impacted by a harrowing labor than others. The effects following a difficult childbirth can be amplified if the mother has any of the following risk factors₆:

• Experienced abuse, especially sexual.

• Mental health concerns

• Prior birthing or pregnancy traumas or difficulties.

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health issue that a person can experience following a traumatic birth and pregnancy. The symptoms must be experienced up to 1 month or longer following the trauma. You might notice that the distress, memories and negative thoughts, are lingering and feel relentless.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum affects the mood after giving brith causing sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that can interfere with a mothers daily functioning. This is also sometimes known as the ‘Baby Blues.’ You might notice struggling to get out of bed, feeling down or sad when with your baby, and crying frequently.

Anxiety

After a traumatic birth, there can be an increase in anxiety that can look like intrusive thoughts, self-doubt, hypervigilane and feeling on-edge. You might find yourself struggling to focus and catching yourself being lost in thought.

Effects on Partners and Family Dynamics

The effects a difficult birthing experience has on the mother often causes a ripple effect. As the mother goes through difficulties, the partner is often witnessing the struggle. A partner can experience their own trauma, or vicarious trauma, after observing the delivery, often feeling helpless. They may go through their own versions of anxiety, depression, or symptoms of PTSD. This can strain the relationship furthering the ripple effect out to any children, grandparents, and other loved ones of the family. They might feel overwhelmed and unsure how to manage their emotions towards the situation or how to hold space for the parents.

If the mother is inaccessible and struggling with the healing process, the family dynamic can be altered. Roles within the relationship change and more responsibilities may fall onto the partner and other members of the family. This relies on mutual understanding and open communication to navigate the necessary adjustments. It is important to take the whole family unit into consideration to ensure the family is able to heal. The healing process often times strengthens the family bond and builds resilience.

EMDR Therapy: A Ray of Hope

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) offers a path to healing and hope after experiencing a traumatic birth. EMDR supports the brain's natural healing process, gradually reducing symptoms and fostering emotional resilience. Through this journey, mothers and others impacted by the trauma, can reclaim a sense of inner peace, empowerment, and reconnect with the baby and their loved ones.

Seeking Support and Building Resilience

Seeking support and building resilience are essential steps towards healing from traumatic birth experiences. Reach out to trusted professionals, connect with support groups, or lean on loved ones for guidance and understanding. If you want to learn more about how EMDR therapy can help you or you’re ready to take the next step in the healing process, reach out for a free consultation call.

We can navigate through the challenges, cultivate strength, and emerge with renewed hope and resilience. You're not alone—let's take the first step towards healing today.

Perinatal & Postpartum Resources

• Postpartum Support International

• Prevention and Treatment of Traumatic Childbirth (PATTCh): resources

• Preeclampsia Foundation: birth trauma resources

• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: call or text 1-833-943-5746 (1-833-9-HELP4MOMS)

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Citations

1. Delfish, M. D. (2023, May 24). Maternal Mental Health: A Brief Look at the Impact of Birth Trauma. American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved January 24, 2024, from https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/maternal-mental-health-and-birth-trauma

2. The toll of birth trauma on your health. (n.d.). March of Dimes. Retrieved January 26, 2024, from https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/postpartum/toll-birth-trauma-your-health

3. Delicate A, Ayers S, McMullen S. Health-care practitioners’ assessment and observations of birth trauma in mothers and partners. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology. 2020;40(1):34-46. doi:10.1080/02646838.2020.1788210

4. Taghizadeh Z., Irajpour A., Arbabi M. (2013). Mothers’ response to psychological birth trauma: A qualitative study. Iran. Red Crescent Med. J.15:e10572. 10.5812/ircmj.10572

5. Simpson, M., & Catling, C. (2016). Understanding psychological traumatic birth experiences: A literature review. Women and Birth, 29(3), 203-207.

6. The emotional impact of birth trauma | Pregnancy Birth and Baby. (n.d.). Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. Retrieved January 26, 2024, from https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/birth-trauma-emotional