Birth Trauma

Birth trauma can affect any woman who has given birth. Although it is experienced by many women, most women do not talk about it and many may not even know they have it. This silence does nothing to help women move past their trauma; it is my hope that this article will help you along the path to recovery.

What is Birth Trauma?
Birth trauma is a normal reaction to events in labour and birth that you perceive as being scary, out-of-control, helpless, or painful. Birth trauma can result from pregnancy, birth or even during the postnatal period. The woman's response may be one of intense fear, helplessness or horror. Sometimes the events trigger memories of earlier trauma that remain unresolved. Symptoms might not emerge for many months after the birth, or even later, when you plan for the birth of your next baby. 

How will I know if I have Birth Trauma?
The symptoms of birth trauma are many and varied. A common theme is that the trauma interferes with your enjoyment of daily life. The trauma issues may surface at different times, and then completely disappear. Some women experience:

• Flashbacks of the event and sudden, vivid memories. You will usually feel distressed, anxious or panicky when you're exposed to things that remind you of the event

• Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the event. Some women never talk about their births or avoid hospitals. In contrast, other women talk about their birth trauma all the time; this is their way of expressing their extreme hurt, anger and fear.

• You may also experience emotions such as anger, irritability, and hyper-vigilance (feeling jumpy or on-guard all the time)

• Nightmares of the birth

• Physiological responses when you are exposed to events resembling the traumatic event, such as panic attacks, sweating and palpitations

• Numbed emotions

What causes it?
Most of the causes of Birth Trauma can be avoided or lessened considerably by those looking after the woman, through simple measures such as understanding the woman's needs and expectations and providing sensitive care in response. This is where continuity of care programs offered by midwives really benefit women! Explanations need to be provided before interventions are carried out, and your permission needs to be sought before any treatment, procedure or examination takes place in order for you to feel respected and safe. Women also have a role to play in clearly communicating their needs and expectations to their care providers. One way to do this is through a birth plan. Continued...