“I felt coerced into decisions or was mocked or rushed. It was a very dehumanizing and frustrating experience.”
Birth trauma is real and can affect anyone, regardless of the perceived “success” of birth. Trauma can stem from any aspect of the birthing process - medical interventions, lack of control, perceived or actual lack of support, unexpected outcomes, or even how birth is accomplished. We tend to focus our attention on those who have cesareans, but those who have vaginal births, natural births, home births, hospital births and free births can also be impacted.
Birth trauma is a psychological and emotional response to a distressing event(s) during or immediately after childbirth.
Birth Trauma, or a traumatic childbirth experience, refers to the birthing person’s experiences of interactions and/or events directly related to childbirth that cause overwhelming and distressing emotions, leading to short- and/or long-term negative impacts on the birthing person’s health, wellbeing, and relationships. While postpartum depression and trauma can co-occur, it’s important to clarify that birth trauma is rooted in a specific traumatic experience, whereas PPD is a mood disorder. Some examples of potential symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, avoidance behaviors, difficulty bonding with the baby, and feelings of guilt or shame.
According to Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance 1 in 3 women report feeling traumatized by their birth experience. Recognizing you are not alone can either feel reassuring or it can make you more upset but the real power is in knowing there are pathways to healing available to you! This can look like -
- Professional support: I strongly recommend seeking help from therapists specializing in trauma (EMDR, CBT, somatic experiencing) or perinatal mental health.
- Support groups: There is something so valuable in connecting with others who have similar experiences for shared understanding and validation.
- Self-care strategies: Studies show gentle practices like mindfulness, journaling, spending time in nature, and creative expression can improve your mental health.
- Advocacy and education: I always encourage others to learn about your rights and advocate for respectful maternity care in the future (for yourself or someone you love).
- Building a supportive network: It’s also so important to have open communication with partners, family, and friends.
What you experienced in birth can be different from your partner. It can be different than what your medical team declares a “beautiful birth.” But that doesn’t make your experience wrong. Trauma is real and denying it or rationalizing it is not the answer. Healing is possible. But healing is a journey so be kind and patient with yourself.
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