Support After Traumatic Birth — Somatic Healing for Mothers

A traumatic birth refers to an experience during childbirth that is distressing, frightening, or deeply upsetting for the mother. It can involve physical, emotional, or psychological elements that exceed the mother's ability to cope with or understand the experience

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Traumatic births can occur due to various reasons, including:

Physical complications:
- Such as prolonged labor, emergency cesarean section, severe tearing, or complications with the baby's health.
Loss of control or agency:
- Feeling powerless or ignored during labor and delivery, or experiencing medical interventions without clear explanation or consent.
Perceived or actual threat to life:
- Instances where the mother or baby's health is at risk, leading to fear, anxiety, or panic.
Disappointment or unmet expectations:
- When the birth experience does not align with the mother's hopes or plans, such as a desired birthing method not being possible.
Lack of support:
- Feeling isolated, unsupported, or not listened to by medical staff or loved ones during labor and delivery.

You may experience symptoms & sensations like...

Symptoms of a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
- Flashbacks or Intrusive Memories: Reliving the traumatic birth experience, particularly during moments related to childbirth (e.g., hearing a baby cry, visiting the hospital).
- Nightmares: Disturbing dreams about the birth or associated trauma.
- Hypervigilance: Feeling on edge, jumpy, or overly alert.
- Avoidance: Avoiding situations or reminders of the birth, such as avoiding hospitals or not wanting to talk about the experience.
Anxiety and Panic Attacks:
- Generalized Anxiety: Persistent worry, often related to the baby’s health, future pregnancies, or one’s own health after the birth.
- Panic Attacks: Intense episodes of fear, racing heart, shortness of breath, or feeling of impending doom.
Depression:
- Postpartum Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or numbness that interfere with daily life, sometimes compounded by the trauma of the birth.
- Low Self-Esteem or Guilt: Feelings of failure or guilt, such as thinking the trauma was somehow their fault or feeling inadequate as a parent.
- Bonding Issues with the Baby:
  - Difficulty feeling connected to or nurturing the baby, possibly due to the traumatic nature of the birth or the impact on mental health.
Fear of Future Childbirth:
- Intense fear of becoming pregnant again or experiencing childbirth again, sometimes leading to avoidance of future pregnancies or elective C-sections in subsequent births.
- Irritability or Emotional Numbness:
  - Difficulty feeling joy, love, or connection, or experiencing irritability and frustration more frequently.
Intrusive Thoughts:
- Distressing or irrational thoughts about the baby’s safety or health, often coupled with compulsive behaviors to ensure safety (e.g., checking on the baby repeatedly).
Loss of Control:
- Feelings of helplessness, frustration, or grief over losing control during the birth, especially if medical interventions were needed unexpectedly.

Find more symptoms (physical & emotional) further down the page.

What do expect in a therapy session...

Combining different psychological/somatic/ holistic healing approaches:
- Somatic Experiencing (SE)
- mind based approaches ("classic western talk therapy"; like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT))
- Trauma & Tension Releasing Exercise (TRE, if wanted)
  - Body based exercise that allow our bodies to release old tension patterns from deep within the muscles / fascia
Trauma-Focused Therapy:
- Specifically designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma. Examples include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Somatic Experiencing (SE).
Psychoeducation
- Offers information about the dynamics of domestic violence, the impact of abuse, and strategies for safety and recovery
- Explains the influence of stress on the body and the mind
Systemic Work
- Working with your trusted family and friends to create a support system
Boundary Work
- Learning to say no to people, work, etc. what doesn't feel in alignment with you or what doesn't serve you any longer
Trauma re-negotiation
- We can't change our past, what we can do is work though and with our past experience and integrate them into our lives as experiences that we survived and came out off.

Together we use the tools/ techniques that feel the most supportive for YOU

How you feel after therapy ...

Relief and Release:
- Many people feel a sense of relief after sharing their experience and processing the trauma. Talking about the event in a safe environment can help release pent-up emotions.
- Letting go of guilt, shame, or self-blame can lead to a lighter emotional state.
Increased Sense of Control:
- Therapy often helps individuals regain a sense of control over their emotions and lives. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the traumatic birth, they may start to feel more empowered in their day-to-day life.
- People may feel more confident in their ability to cope with future challenges or potential triggers related to their birth experience.
Emotional Healing and Self-Compassion:
- Therapy helps individuals practice self-compassion, leading to less self-criticism. You may begin to accept that the traumatic birth wasn’t your fault and that you did the best you could.
- Emotional healing can involve coming to terms with the event and building a new sense of peace, even if the birth didn’t go as planned.
Improved Bond with the Baby:
- As therapy helps reduce distress, many mothers find it easier to bond with their baby. The emotional distance that may have existed due to the trauma often starts to decrease.
- Positive feelings about motherhood and a sense of attachment to the baby can grow as the trauma fades.
Reduced Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms:
- Over time, therapy can lessen the intensity of post-traumatic stress symptoms, such as flashbacks, intrusive memories, and hypervigilance.
- Anxiety about the baby’s health or fears related to future pregnancies may decrease, leading to a more relaxed mindset.
Better Relationships:
- Many women experience improved relationships with their partners, family, and friends after therapy. Open communication and understanding of how the trauma affected them can strengthen these bonds.
- Emotional healing can make it easier to engage socially, leading to more connection with others.

Beginn your healing journey- schedule your therapy session today!

Gentle therapy to process birth trauma & reconnect with your body

Processing Emotions

Therapy provides a safe space to express and explore complex emotions such as fear, anxiety, sadness, guilt, or anger related to the traumatic childbirth. This emotional processing is essential for understanding and integrating the experience.

Adressing PTSD Symptoms

For individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth, therapy techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or Somatic Experiencing can help reduce symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors.

Managing Anxiety & Depression

Therapy can provide strategies to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression that may arise from the traumatic childbirth experience. This may include cognitive restructuring, mindfulness techniques, and stress management skills.

Improving Self-Esteem and Coping Skills

Traumatic childbirth can impact a person’s sense of self-worth and confidence. Therapy can help rebuild self-esteem and teach adaptive coping skills to navigate triggers and challenges related to the trauma.

Improving Parent-Child Bonding

For those who struggle with bonding with their child after a traumatic birth, therapy can address barriers and help strengthen the parent-child relationship through guided interventions and support.

Processing Grief, Anxiety, Triggers

Supporting Partner and Family Dynamics

Therapy can involve partners and family members to help them understand the impact of traumatic childbirth and learn how to provide effective support and communication during the recovery process.

Navigating Future Pregnancies

For individuals planning future pregnancies after a traumatic childbirth, therapy can provide tools to manage anxiety, fear of childbirth (tokophobia), and support decision-making regarding birthing options and medical care.

Ongoing Healing

Resilience and Strength: Many people leave therapy with a renewed sense of resilience. They recognize their ability to face difficult experiences and come out stronger, which can be empowering and build long-term confidence.

Maintenance and Continued Support: Healing from a traumatic birth may not end with therapy. Continuing self-care practices, attending support groups, or seeking occasional counseling can help maintain progress and prevent setbacks.

New Perspective: Therapy can help shift your perspective on the traumatic birth, reframing it as part of your journey rather than a defining moment. This new outlook fosters acceptance and growth.

To Consider

It's essential for individuals to work with a therapist experienced in trauma-informed care or perinatal mental health to ensure that treatment is tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. The goal of therapy is to promote healing, resilience, and empowerment in the aftermath of a traumatic childbirth experience

Traumatic childbirth can lead to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms in mothers. These symptoms can vary widely among individuals and may require professional support and treatment, such as counseling or therapy, to help manage and heal from the trauma of childbirth. Some of the most common symptoms include

Physical Symptoms

Pain and discomfort:
- Persistent pain in the perineum, abdomen, or back.
Injuries:
- Tears, cuts, or damage to pelvic organs.
Incontinence:
- Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements.
Sexual problems:
- Pain during intercourse or loss of interest in sex.
Fatigue:
- Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.
Sleep disturbances:
- Difficulty sleeping or experiencing nightmares.
- Either due to physical pain, anxiety, or intrusive thoughts.
Physical health issues:
- Headaches, dizziness, or gastrointestinal problems.
Appetite Changes: Loss of appetite or overeating as a coping mechanism for the trauma
Physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart, tight chest, or shortness of breath, can be common.
Chronic tension, headaches, or gastrointestinal issues due to ongoing stress.

Behavioral Symptoms:

Overprotectiveness:
- Mothers may become excessively vigilant over their baby’s health and safety, leading to obsessive checking or anxiety about minor issues.
Avoidance:
- Avoiding future pregnancies, discussions about birth, or even medical care related to the reproductive system due to the fear of reliving the trauma.
- Some mothers may avoid interacting with their baby or caring for them directly if the trauma was deeply tied to the birth.
Withdrawal from Social Activities:
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or social groups, particularly if these environments trigger reminders of the birth.
- Isolation can deepen feelings of loneliness or helplessness.

Emotional & Psychological Symptoms

Post-traumatic Stress:
- Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories of the birth.
Anxiety:
- Constant worry, panic attacks, or feeling on edge.
Depression:
- Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, or feelings of hopelessness.
Guilt or shame:
- Feeling responsible for the traumatic experience or inadequate as a parent.
Emotional numbness:
- Feeling disconnected from emotions or loved ones.
Difficulty bonding:
- Trouble forming a strong emotional attachment with the baby.
Fear of childbirth:
- Anxiety about future pregnancies or avoidance of situations related to childbirth.
Grief:
- Particularly if the trauma involved a loss or significant complication for the baby or the parent.
Anger or Resentment:
- Toward medical professionals, the hospital, or even one's body for not functioning as expected.

Impact on Relationships:

Relationship Strain:
- Tension in relationships with partners, family, or friends due to the emotional and physical impact of the birth trauma.
- Partners may also experience trauma, which can affect how they support the mother and baby, leading to potential conflicts or emotional distance.
Impact on Sexual Relationships:
- Fear or avoidance of intimacy, often due to physical pain, body image changes, or emotional distress from the trauma.

Working with Challenging Emotions regarding Birth Trauma

Emotional Vulnerability:
- Working through trauma can bring up deep emotions, and after therapy sessions, some individuals may feel temporarily more vulnerable. This emotional openness is a normal part of the healing process but can feel overwhelming at times.
- It’s common to have "up and down" days, where one day feels better than the next. Healing is rarely linear.
Grief and Sadness:
- Processing a traumatic birth may involve feelings of grief for the experience you hoped to have. This can include mourning the loss of an idealized birth, a sense of safety, or even the ability to enjoy early motherhood fully.
- Though these feelings lessen over time, they may still arise as you continue to work through the trauma.
Frustration or Impatience:
- Some individuals may feel frustrated or impatient if the healing process takes longer than expected. There may be moments of doubt or discouragement if progress feels slow.
- It’s important to remember that trauma recovery is unique to each person and takes time.
Fear of Future Pregnancies or Births:
- While therapy can reduce anxiety, some people may still carry lingering fears about future pregnancies or births. Though the intensity of the fear decreases, it may take time to feel fully comfortable with the idea of childbirth again.

Resources Birth Trauma

If you or someone you know has experienced traumatic childbirth, there are various resources available to provide support, information, and guidance. Here are some resources that can be helpful:

Support Groups

Solace for Mothers: Soalce Support Group
- A nonprofit organization offering support and resources for women who have experienced childbirth trauma. They provide online forums, articles, and information on healing.
Birth Trauma Association: Support Groups
- Based in the UK, they offer support and information to women who have experienced traumatic childbirth through their website and local support groups.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) Support Groups
- PSI hosts online support groups for various postpartum issues, including birth trauma.
Mumsnet Birth Trauma Support Forum: Mumsnet Birth Trauma Forum
- An online forum for discussing birth trauma and seeking support from other mothers.
Healing Birth: Healing Birth
- Offers support and resources for healing from traumatic births.
The Birth Trauma Resolution: Birth Trauma Resolution
- Provides specialized therapy and support for individuals affected by birth trauma.
Traumatic Birth Recovery: Traumatic Birth Recovery
- Focuses on recovery from traumatic births through various therapeutic approaches.
Parents with children with cerebral palsy: levinperconti.com/birth-injury/cerebral-palsy/guide-toolkit/
- Focuses on assisting, informing and helping parents in the process of supporting their child.

What to expect from therapy for birth Trauma

Therapy can be instrumental in helping individuals cope with and heal from traumatic childbirth experiences in several ways. After undergoing therapy for traumatic childbirth, individuals may experience a range of emotions and changes depending on their specific journey and the effectiveness of therapy. Here are some common feelings and outcomes that people may experience

Relief:
- Many individuals feel a sense of relief and release after therapy, especially if they have been able to express and process difficult emotions related to their traumatic childbirth experience.
Validation:
- Therapy can provide validation of the individual's feelings and experiences, helping them understand that their emotional reactions are normal responses to trauma.
Empowerment:
- Therapy can empower individuals by teaching coping skills, improving self-esteem, and helping them regain a sense of control over their emotions and thoughts.
Reduction in Symptoms:
- Effective therapy can lead to a reduction in symptoms associated with trauma, such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression.
Improved Relationships:
- Therapy may improve communication and understanding within relationships, particularly with partners and family members who may also be impacted by the traumatic childbirth experience.
Increased Resilience:
- Through therapy, individuals can develop resilience and adaptive coping mechanisms that help them navigate future challenges, including potential future pregnancies or medical procedures.
Enhanced Parent-Child Bonding:
- For those struggling with bonding after traumatic childbirth, therapy can facilitate a stronger connection with their child by addressing barriers and promoting a nurturing environment.
Sense of Closure or Acceptance:
- Therapy can aid in finding meaning and acceptance of the traumatic childbirth experience, allowing individuals to integrate it into their life story in a way that supports personal growth and healing.

It's important to note that everyone's experience with therapy is unique, and outcomes can vary. The effectiveness of therapy depends on factors such as the individual's readiness to engage, the quality of the therapeutic relationship, the therapist's expertise in trauma treatment, and the presence of any additional support systems. Continued support and self-care practices after therapy can further contribute to long-term healing and well-being