Trigger warning- this blog post explores some specific birth trauma examples and a personal story
Understanding Birth Trauma and the Importance of Getting Support
Childbirth is often depicted as a joyous occasion, but for many, it can also be a traumatic experience. Birth trauma is the physical or emotional distress that some mothers go through during or after childbirth. This could be due to unexpected medical interventions, complications, or even a feeling of loss of control. Understanding birth trauma is crucial because it can deeply affect a new mother's mental health and her bond with her baby.
My Own Story and Why I Realized How Important Support was:
When I delivered my first baby, I was filled with anticipation and excitement. But things took a difficult turn after an already long and challenging back labour, when I watched my baby's heart rate drop several times and heard the concern of the medical professionals in the room. The room was a blur of activity, and after he was finally delivered, he was whisked away from me after less than 3 seconds holding him. I watched him being resuscitated as I helplessly waited to see the outcome as a team of nurses and doctors surrounded him. I had no idea what was happening, what was normal, or if my baby was going to be okay. I didn’t know if it was normal for a baby to be grey/blue immediately after coming out, if the lack of crying was a concern, and how much intervention was normal for most births.
While our family was so lucky the outcome was okay (and I know many cases are not), I know it led to an overwhelming early postpartum period for me. It was followed by a longer than anticipated hospital stay, pumping around the clock, and a state of constant hypervigilance about checking breathing and watching the baby even when I should have been sleeping. Because I wasn’t sleeping, the intrusive thoughts grew really strong as did my constant state of anxiety that something bad was going to happen. I remember having constant crying episodes (that lasted well beyond the “baby blues” period) and at times had a rage that was so unfamiliar to me as a normally calm and patient person. In navigating my own support (which I was eventually lucky to find), I learned that very few counsellors are specialized in perinatal mental health, and even less in supporting people with birth trauma (especially in our small town)! I wanted to be part of the solution.
A few years after going back to work and building my own private practice, I decided to specialize in perinatal mental health to better understand the complexities people face when trying to conceive, while pregnant, throughout pregnancy loss (which I also experienced), after a traumatic birth, or postpartum difficulties. These challenges impact people’s lives in a HUGE way and for those who go on to become parents, they also impact your parenting journey.
So What ACTUALLY is Birth Trauma?
Birth trauma can look different for everyone. For some, it’s physical injuries from a difficult delivery. For others, it’s the emotional toll of a birth that didn’t go as planned. Signs of birth trauma might include flashbacks, anxiety, sadness, or even difficulty bonding with the baby. It can also impact your postpartum journey. It’s important to remember that if your experience felt traumatic to you, it is valid, no matter what others might say. When I studied with Canadian Perinatal Mental Health, I learned that about 30% or one in three people would describe their birth as traumatic. WOW! Here are just some of the MANY things that can cause this to happen:
Physical Trauma to the Mother:
Severe vaginal tears
Episiotomy complications
Emergency C-sections
Injuries from forceps or vacuum extraction
Uterine rupture
Hemorrhaging
Physical Trauma to the Baby:
Oxygen deprivation
Shoulder dystocia
Fractures or nerve damage from delivery
Meconium aspiration
Emotional and Psychological Trauma:
Feeling out of control or unsupported during labour
Fear for the baby's life or the mother’s own life
Disappointment with the birth experience
Perceived or actual medical negligence
Lack of communication or information from medical staff
Medical Interventions:
Unplanned or emergency interventions (e.g., emergency C-sections, forceps delivery)
Unanticipated medical procedures or interventions
Induction of labour
People with a history of sexual trauma finding medical interventions retraumatizing
Birth Environment:
Unfamiliar or stressful hospital environment
Insensitivity or lack of empathy from healthcare providers
Feeling ignored or dismissed by medical staff
Not having necessary support or professionals available during birth (especially in rural communities)
Postpartum Complications:
Severe postpartum hemorrhage
Infections
Complications with breastfeeding
Separation from Baby:
Immediate separation after birth for medical reasons
NICU admission for the baby
Other:
Unexpected diagnoses surrounding newborn immediately after birth
Complications for postpartum mothers immediately after
Pre and post eclampsia
Feeling pressure to have family members involved in the birth who cause more stress and trauma to the parents
And SO many more possibilities
Loss of infant shortly after birth or prior to the birth (this is a whole other blog post)
Why It's Important to Get Support
Experiencing birth trauma can have long-lasting effects if not addressed. Here are a few reasons why getting support is crucial:
Mental Health: Therapy or counselling can help you process your experience and develop coping strategies. A mental health professional can guide you through the healing process.
Bonding with Your Baby: Healing from trauma can improve your connection with your baby. Feeling supported helps you be more present and engaged.
Empowerment: Support can help you regain a sense of control and confidence. Knowing that others understand what you're going through can be incredibly empowering.
How to Get Support
If you're struggling with birth trauma, reaching out for help is a brave and important step. Here are some ways to seek support:
Talk to Your Healthcare Provider: Share your feelings with your doctor or midwife. They can refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in postpartum care.
Find a Counsellor: Look for a counsellor experienced in birth trauma. ASK counsellors if they work with this area and area specialized to provide you with the support you need.
Join Support Groups: Connecting with other mothers who have had similar experiences can be very healing. Online forums and local groups offer a safe space to share and support each other.
Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote your well-being. Mindfulness, gentle exercise, journaling, or simply taking time to rest can make a big difference.
Birth trauma is a significant but often overlooked aspect of childbirth. AND there is NO need to negate what you experienced by comparing it to others that have it "worse" or who had further complications than you. Their stories are valid but yours is too. Understanding what birth trauma is and why support is important can helps us better support those in their healing journeys. If you or someone you know is experiencing birth trauma, know that help is available and that healing is possible. Taking care of your mental health is just as crucial as taking care of your physical health. Let's create a supportive environment where every mother and parent feels heard, validated, and empowered to seek the help they need.
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