COPING WITH BIRTH TRAUMA: SUPPORT & RESOURCES
Birth trauma refers to the psychological and emotional distress experienced by parents during the childbirth process. It can arise from a variety of factors, such as complicated deliveries, unexpected medical interventions, emergency cesarean sections, or the loss of a child during birth. The impact of birth trauma on parents can be profound, leading to a range of emotional responses, including feelings of guilt, anxiety, depression, helplessness, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Recognizing when to seek help and how to cope with birth trauma is crucial for parents. From receiving validation for your feelings, to emotional recovery, to strengthening the child-parent bond, to preventing long-term consequences, seeking out resources can have many beneficial results.
UNDERSTANDING BIRTH TRAUMA
The experience of birth trauma can significantly influence the parent-child relationship and the overall well-being of the family. It may interfere with bonding and attachment, making it challenging for parents to connect with their newborn and provide the necessary care and support. Additionally, the emotional toll of birth trauma can affect the parents’ ability to function in their daily lives, impacting their relationships, work performance, and overall mental health.
Birth trauma can manifest in parents through a wide range of emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms. Here are some common symptoms.
- Feelings of intense fear, helplessness, or horror during the childbirth process
- Distressing memories or nightmares related to the birth
- Detached or Disconnected from newborn
- Symptoms of anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Avoiding conversations or situations related to childbirth or hospitals
- Heightened irritability or hypervigilance
- Headaches, fatigue, and muscle tension
According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 45% of new mothers experience birth trauma—and the effects can continue long after the birth itself. Furthermore, women of color particularly face a high risk for birth trauma, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In an article for SheKnows, Rochuan Meadows-Fernandez wrote, “In many areas of the U.S., Black women are dying from childbirth at rates comparable to developing nations, the World Health Organization reports. New York City, for example, reports Black women are as much as 12 times more likely to die from childbirth-related causes according to a report put out by the city.” In addition to this, the rates of obstetrical traumas among Asian-Pacific Islanders were 25 to 47 percent higher than those for white people.
The traumatic birth experiences of women of color may also be exacerbated by factors such as racial bias, discrimination, and unequal access to quality healthcare. They might encounter dismissive attitudes from healthcare providers, leading to feelings of disempowerment and mistrust in the medical system. Addressing birth trauma in women of color requires a comprehensive approach that acknowledges and dismantles systemic inequalities, advocates for culturally competent care, and provides specialized support to help them heal from their childbirth experiences.
THE HEALING JOURNEY: COPING STRATEGIES
If you are experiencing birth trauma, finding coping strategies that will help you along your healing journey is crucial. Here are some strategies and tips that we recommend.
- Seek professional help
- Talk with friends to receive validation for your emotions
- Practice self-compassion and patience with yourself
- Incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques
- Use journaling as a tool for processing emotions
- Explore art or music therapy
- Try yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises
- Incorporate exercise and physical activity
Remember that healing can be a slow process, and it won’t be easy. However, you are not alone in this journey, and there is support available for you whenever you need it.
therapy options for birth trauma
There are many different therapeutic options for individuals facing birth trauma, including individual one-on-one therapy. Individual therapy provides a safe and confidential space to explore and process emotions and experiences.. In one-on-one sessions, the therapist can also tailor the approach to meet the specific needs of the individual, offering personalized support and attention.
Specifically, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be a powerful tool to cope with birth trauma. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and evidence-based therapeutic approach that has shown great efficacy in trauma healing. When applied to individuals experiencing birth trauma, CBT aims to address the negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with the traumatic experience. The therapy focuses on identifying and challenging distorted beliefs about the self, the birth experience, and its consequences. Through cognitive restructuring, individuals learn to replace negative thoughts with more balanced and realistic ones, promoting healthier emotional responses.
Group therapy can be a powerful complement to individual therapy for birth trauma survivors. Participating in a group of individuals who have gone through similar experiences can foster a sense of validation, understanding, and connection. Sharing personal stories and hearing others’ experiences can help break feelings of isolation and promote healing through empathy and compassion. Group therapy offers a unique opportunity to receive support not only from a therapist but also from peers who can relate to the challenges of birth trauma.
Similar to group therapy, online communities and support groups can also be a great way to heal from birth trauma and find resources. Here are some tips for finding a support group that’s a good fit for you.
- Seek referrals – Talk with your friends and family!
- Conduct online research & read some reviews
- Check local hospitals and birthing centers
- Check social media
- Consider the group size and composition
- Try a session out first, if possible
- Check the consistency & frequency of the group
- Ensure confidentiality and safety within the group
PARTNER & FAMILY SUPPORT
Partners can offer a supportive and empathetic presence, creating a safe space for open communication and emotional expression. By actively listening to their partner’s experiences, feelings, and concerns, partners demonstrate validation and understanding, which can help alleviate feelings of isolation and shame. Additionally, partners can participate in therapy sessions if appropriate, facilitating a deeper understanding of the trauma’s impact and the coping strategies necessary for healing.
Involving family members in the recovery journey of a birth trauma survivor can offer additional layers of support and create a more cohesive healing environment. Family members can be instrumental in providing emotional support and understanding during the challenging times of recovery. Educating family members about birth trauma can help dispel misconceptions and foster empathy. Encouraging open communication between the birth trauma survivor and family members can lead to increased emotional connection and reduced feelings of isolation. However, it’s crucial to respect the survivor’s boundaries and preferences regarding the involvement of family members.
ADVOCATING FOR BIRTH TRAUMA AWARENESS
If you have gone through a difficult birth trauma experience, it can be empowering to share your story and destigmatize birth trauma. Sharing your story helps foster connections within this community, and spread birth trauma awareness as well. You can also advocate for birth trauma awareness this month by supporting organizations working on this issue, like March of Dimes.
Your future does not end here. After experiencing birth trauma, understanding what you went through and recognizing when you need to seek support is crucial. Starting your healing journey will provide you hope and inspiration for a more positive future. And, We Rise Therapy is here for you every step of the way, with our informational blog posts, therapy services, and welcoming community on Instagram.