Birth trauma

Written By Ellie Cross

Childbirth is often depicted as a joyful event, but for many women, the reality can be starkly different. When childbirth doesn't go according to plan, it can deeply affect a woman's physical and emotional well-being. From feeling disregarded and dehumanized to experiencing shattered expectations and unmet needs, traumatic childbirth is often underestimated and misunderstood.

The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance defines birth trauma as follows: “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.” Furthermore they have found that “1 in 3 birthing people report feeling traumatized by their childbirth experience” and “1 in 5 birthing people report experiencing some form of mistreatment during pregnancy or childbirth.”

Dr. Cheryl Tatano Beck, an expert in perinatal mental health, highlights how birth trauma can manifest as feeling uncared for, stripped of dignity, being subjected to unnecessary pain, having concerns dismissed, lack or loss of control, or experiencing poor communication. Many women report receiving mechanical, cold, and insensitive care during delivery, leaving lasting emotional scars. Dr. Tatano Beck underscores that trauma is deeply personal: it’s based on how each individual perceives and reacts to an event, meaning two people can experience the same event very differently. She notes, “What a mother perceives as birth trauma may be seen quite differently through the eyes of obstetric care providers, who may view it as a routine delivery and just another day at the hospital.” This disconnect can leave women without the recognition and support they need.

Conversely, some women may not recognize their childbirth experience as traumatic, which can hinder their ability to communicate their feelings to healthcare providers. As a result, trauma can go unnoticed and untreated, worsening postpartum challenges and potentially leading to unresolved issues such as birth-related PTSD.

Trauma, whether from childbirth or other sources, poses significant challenges for women during the immediate postpartum period and beyond, influencing subsequent pregnancies, infant bonding, and personal well-being. Healing from traumatic childbirth starts with validating your experiences and seeking support from empathetic professionals and peers. To facilitate a conversation with a qualified care provider, you might consider completing the City Birth Trauma Questionnaire (*see note below) from the University of London. The insights gained from this questionnaire can help you advocate for your needs more effectively. By addressing unresolved trauma, you can embark on a path toward a healthier postpartum journey.

Acknowledging the impact of traumatic childbirth is essential for supporting women's physical and emotional well-being in the short and long-term. Without appropriate acknowledgement and supportive interventions, negative associations with childbirth can persist, affecting how women view themselves and their abilities as mothers. It's crucial for women to validate their feelings and express their experiences. By recognizing and addressing birth trauma, we can create a more empathetic environment for women navigating the complexities of childbirth and motherhood. Above all, remember that you are not to blame, you are not at fault and you are not a failure, no matter how your baby came into this world you are an amazing mother, and you are doing a great job.

Recommended Reading:

Healing Emotionally after a Traumatic Birth

Ellie Cross
Next

Intrusive thoughts