Birth Trauma Awareness Week is September 6th-13th...
30% of new parents would describe the birth of their baby as traumatic.
Trauma is the most avoided, ignored, denied, misunderstood, and untreated cause of human suffering. ~Peter Levine
People who have never experienced pregnancy or childbirth grow up watching films and TV shows where the labor may be dramatic, but instantly following, the rest is fairly unrealistic.
We’re here today to acknowledge what many mothers experience, but feel they can’t open up about… birth trauma.
The many forms...
What defines a traumatic birth experience is different for every parent. It could be trouble getting to the hospital in time, an extremely difficult labor, heartache following delivery, and many more scenarios. Each and every woman deserves to have her story heard, and her pain acknowledged. No one gets to decide if your experience was traumatic except you. The day your child comes into the world should be one of the happiest moments in your life but so often, it can leave scars and wounds not only physically, but mentally.
PTSD
PTSD after pregnancy or childbirth is defined as: re-experiencing (flashbacks), avoiding things that remind you of the trauma, being hypervigilant, and overall feeling low and/or unhappy. According to the Birth Trauma Association, 20,000 women every year are diagnosed with PTSD in connection with giving birth or perinatal events.
Partners can have this too. It can be traumatic even if it wasn’t considered bad and everyone was “okay in the end”. There is such a common misconception that “healthy mom/healthy baby” should lead to a perfectly happy outcome. This isn’t always the case and a lot of the time certain instances lead to trauma despite a healthy outcome as the final result.
Trauma from the length of labor, an induction, loss of control, lack of information, not being listened to, lack of privacy, baby’s safety, poor care, or a general lack of understanding can lead to feelings of PTSD.
PPA/PPD
Both Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Depression are affecting more and more mothers, especially in recent months given the global pandemic we are all undergoing and the way it has affected maternal/fetal care.
These 2 mood disorders are serious conditions and differ from the “baby blues” or PTSD. Click on the images below to read previous blogs that highlight more details. As always, if you or a loved one is showing or experiences symptoms of a postpartum mood disorder, we urge you to seek professional help and find the support you need. You do not have to be in this alone.
Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Minnesota – Is Minnesota’s State Chapter for Postpartum Support International and is the voice for mental health before & after pregnancy. They support anyone who is struggling with support and quality resources, along with reassurance that they are not alone.
Consider hiring a Birth Doula to help prevent Birth Trauma
Though of course trauma can happen no matter how prepared a mother and her family are, making sure you have a strong and supportive birth team can make a lot of difference.
Studies have shown that women who have a Birth Doula as a part of their team look back on their births as a more positive experience overall, despite possible interventions that may be unexpected. It has also been shown in studies that having a Birth Doula present decreases a mother’s need for pain interventions and decreases the chance of having an unexpected c-section. Though these things may not always be 100% preventable for the health and safety of mom and baby, having a Doula at your side can help give you some necessary tools to decrease your risks. (Statistics collected by Evidence Based Birth, May 2019)
Birth Story Sharing
At How 2 Mom, we believe that everyone’s story matters. That’s why we have created How 2 Mom’s Birth Story Group. It is a quarterly meeting where we share and hear each others birth stories in a SMALL group environment that is confidential. We also host separate groups for those who may not be comfortable in the regular setting, but wish to speak with other moms who have undergone what they feel was a traumatic experience. If you want a safe place to share your story, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Whether you want a member from How 2 Mom to listen and support you, or you are interested in hearing about upcoming trauma group meetings, we are here for you.
At How 2 Mom, we are are a mission to support families and decrease traumatic birth experiences. You deserve and are worthy of the support and preparation for the birth you desire. To all the women who have experienced a traumatic birth, we are so sorry. We see you and we support you.
Love,
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