Anyone who has experienced labour and delivery has a story to share! For some, their birth story includes the expected ups and downs resulting in a healthy baby and all is forgotten. For some the birth experience leaves a more traumatic effect. July 19-25 2021 is International Birth Trauma Awareness week. You may be wondering what birth trauma is; well if a birthing parent experiences or perceives that they and/or their baby were in danger of injury or death during childbirth, their birth is defined as traumatic –psychologically, physically, or both. The injury resulting from birth trauma can be physical or psychological (deeply upsetting and distressing) or a combination of both. Psychological trauma occurs as a result of an extreme disconnect between an expectation of what would happen and what actually occurred. The birthing person may experience intense fear, helplessness, loss of control, lack of care, fear, anxiety and horror (Beck, 2004a). Traumatic childbirth occurs in as many as 30% of all births. Approximately one-third of those women may develop Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Research has indicated that during the pandemic, the rates of birth trauma have increased. Trauma during birth can be experienced by anyone involved in the birthing experience including the partner, support person, or medical professional. The following are examples of physical and psychological traumas that may occur:
Physical Birth Trauma may include:
- Death or near death of mom or baby
- Perineal tears
- Pelvic floor muscle damage
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pelvic fractures (pubic bone, coccyx, sacrum)
- Cesarean wounds
Psychological Birth Trauma may be caused due to previous birth experience or this birth experience include:
- Previous birth experience:
- Stillbirth or other pregnancy-related adversity
- Previous sexual or other abuse
- Previous mental health problems
- Inadequate or failed pain relief/refused pain relief
- Physical birth injuries the parent may still be managing
- During the birth experience:
- Feelings of loss of control
- Feelings not being listened to or respected
- Feeling not supported by your partner, and/or health professional during labour
- Inadequate or failed pain relief/refused pain relief
- Thinking you were going to die
Treatment for birth trauma and PTSD includes an array of psychological therapies and/or medication. Other aspects such as exercise, attention to diet, self-help therapies and support groups have also been found to be helpful.
Tips on Surviving Birth Trauma:
- Acknowledge your feelings about your birth experience
- Do not judge or blame yourself
- Do not compare your journey with others
- Do something to get your power back
- Seek practical support so that you can nourish our body through food, exercise, sleep and whatever else you may need
- Seek help from care provider
- Seek help from a therapist who specialises in birth trauma
The biggest takeaway for anyone who feels some sort of way about their birth story is to speak to someone. The lead researcher in this area, Beck has quoted: trauma is in the eye of the beholder. If your experience was traumatic, speak to your care provider, family, friends and other supports. With help you can get better. Most parents who had traumatic experiences and are on the other side often wish they had spoken to someone and sought help earlier; their biggest regret was lost time. Most who suffer from trauma disorders and seek professional help can achieve full and satisfying lives.
Click here to access a printable quick-reference info sheet about birth trauma that I created.
Click here to access the Parenting in the Trenches podcast, where I was a guest speaker on the topic of Birth Trauma.
If you are considering seeking support, I’m Rita. I am a Registered Social Worker, Canadian Certified Counsellor and a Certified Perinatal Mental Health clinician. I specialize in working with the perinatal population, this includes: those trying to conceive, those that are pregnant and those in the postpartum period. Furthermore, my work also includes: infertility, grief and loss, traumatic birth, postpartum depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and rediscovering your identity and relationship after trying to conceive and childbirth. I’m also a mom and understand the journey of trying to become a parent, pregnancy and postpartum. This period can be very overwhelming, isolating and may not follow the route you wanted or expected and that is where I can help. As a counsellor, I will work with you to increase your awareness to gain a deeper understanding of your needs and develop skills to improve your relationship with yourself and others. I would be honoured to walk alongside you and hold space for your most vulnerable and true self. We all have a story to share and I look forward to hearing yours while supporting you to create the change you desire. You can click below to learn more about me and to connect.
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