Help and Resources for Coping with Birth Trauma
Are you dealing with Birth Trauma? You are not alone. A recent study found that 9% of new moms are coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after their births. Another 26% showed symptoms of Post Trauma.
Birth Trauma is whatever it means to you. There is no set circumstance where trauma will occur; a situation was traumatic for you might not be traumatic to another woman. According to the Prevention and Treatment of Traumatic Childbirth (PATTCH): Studies have demonstrated common themes in the experiences of PTSD due to childbirth as: (a) perceived lack of communication by medical staff; (b) fear of unsafe care; (c) lack of choice regarding routine medical procedures; (d) lack of continuity of care providers; and (f) care being based solely on delivery outcome (Beck, 2004a). These experiences occur globally. Preliminary studies in the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Australia, Israel, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, and Nigeria have reported rates of PTSD from 1.25% to 14.9% (Beck, 2011). Long-term effects of PTSD secondary to childbirth include attachment and parenting difficulties (Bailham & Joseph, 2003). Here’s what you can do to help recover:
Know the Symptoms:
Even if you aren’t a care provider, you can listen to your friends and sisters. If they are traumatized by their birth experience, don’t discredit or minimize them. Often times people who have been through a tough situation just need to have their feelings validated. A strong support is key in helping overcome trauma. Don’t be afraid to refer your friends and sisters to a trained professional or doctor.
Talk to Someone:
If you are experiencing trauma, don’t be afraid to reach out to your community for resources. Don’t be afraid to share your story.
Implement a Self Care regimen:
Take a bath. Relax. Read your favorite book or watch for favorite movie! Get a Massage. Take time for you, and don’t worry about meeting the expectations of others. You need to heal yourself so that you can be functional for your family.
Join a Support Group and Attend meetings:
Consider joining a group where you can talk about what happened, and be supported. There are even facebook support groups for women struggling with birth trauma. If you are a local to Oklahoma City Check out the Oklahoma Birth Trauma Support group.
Don’t Forget about DAD:
Partners can experience birth trauma as well. Partners can feel helpless, uneducated, and unsupported. Often times care providers only care that mom and baby are healthy and neglect the emotional well being of the partner!
If you or someone you know is experiencing birth trauma: take time, give grace, be supportive, and heal.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Brittany started her journey of helping women in 2012, as a pregnancy consultant. She was certified as a Birth and Bereavement Doula through Stillbirthday in 2015 and gained certification as a Gena Kirby Rebozo Doula later that year. She is the Birth Doula for modern women. She is intuitive and open-minded; she is attentive and ready to support everyone. Brittany received over 800 hours of advanced training in the practice of massage therapy in her quest as a healer, and is continually researching and attending training in the art of holistic health and wellness. She volunteers with the Oklahoma Birth Trauma Support Group for mothers and families who have experienced birth trauma and pregnancy loss. She lives in Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.
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