Beyond delivery: Shedding light on birth trauma
Birth Trauma
In honor of Birth Trauma Awareness week, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to discuss birth trauma. Birth trauma can happen to anyone in any setting. Birth trauma can also occur in a variety of different scenarios. Birth trauma is when something occurs during a birth that the person experiencing it defines as traumatic. It is important to not define trauma from an outside perspective as something we perceive as traumatic may not be to the person who experienced it. Trauma can come in many forms such as obstetrical violence, emergency situations involving you or your baby, not being heard or respected in the labor and delivery room, a change to your birth plan, intense pain, difficult labor, etc.
Trauma in Partners
While trauma is primarily found in mothers after labor and delivery, it can also be found in partners as well. A partner who has supported a mother through labor and delivery may also perceive certain events as traumatic. It is important to recognize this and provide support to anyone affected by the traumatic event.
Trauma Prevention
Unfortunately, trauma cannot be prevented 100%. However, we can work to minimize the risks of experiencing birth trauma. Hiring a birth doula can be beneficial in many aspects but especially when working towards a positive birth experience. Preparing an extensive birth plan and having a plan in place in the event of sudden change can help you cope knowing you have already prepared for this situation. This will not prevent trauma but can help you navigate birth easier. When preparing your birth plan, you will research different options and having the knowledge will empower you to overcome obstacles. Childbirth education courses can provide you with the knowledge on birth, your body and pain coping techniques. Knowledge is power. Trauma can never be prevented 100% but being prepared is a great start to navigating your birthing experience.
Support
Supporting a loved one through birth trauma can be wonderful but must be handled carefully. It is encouraged that those affected by trauma receive support from those who are trauma informed. A great tool can be birth debriefings. These are offered by a variety of individuals such as midwives, doulas, birth assistants, therapists, etc. Every individual will have their own expertise and researching who will be the best fit for you will be important. Experience and education in trauma informed care is crucial. If you are supporting a loved one through trauma, simple acts can be incredibly beneficial.
Some simple helpful tips for supporting a loved one include but are not limited to:
Assist in moms proper hydration
Gift mom a journal
Help provide a healthy and nourishing diet
Ask mom what she needs
Advocate for her
Help her find a postpartum doula
Allow her to take time for herself
Assist with household tasks & chores
Healing Trauma
Healing birth trauma will look different for everyone. If you are affected by birth trauma, allowing yourself time and grace can be so important. Postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and other postpartum mood disorders can be very real and scary especially after experiencing trauma. Please reach out to a trusted healthcare provider if you feel you need additional support. It is too common that we see these disorders go untreated, it is okay to ask for help.
Below you will find a few resources that can provide you with further information and support.
Resources:
TheBlueDotProject Maternal Mental Health
Birth Debriefs - Embracing Beginnings
Validation
Whether you are a mother who experienced trauma or a birth partner, it is important to allow yourself to feel your feelings. Your trauma is valid regardless of what others may say or feel. Birth trauma is anything physical or emotional that you perceive as traumatic or distressing.
A note to my readers:
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns or would like to share your story. As a fellow mother who experienced trauma I strive to provide support and a listening ear to those who may need it.
This is not medical advice, please contact your healthcare provider for information and advice
