Therapy for Birth Trauma and Postpartum PTSD 

“..I was so excited for her birth, she arrived healthy, but I felt like I was mentally and physically broken..”

So, you and your baby are home, but you can’t seem to be able to let go of your birth or NICU experience.

• Do you feel like you are reliving a traumatic birth or hospital experience over and over again?
• Do you have flashbacks or nightmares about your experience?
• Do you avoid all reminders of the event and become anxious and panicky when you can’t?
• Do you constantly feel on edge or anxious, irritable?

Welcome to a safe haven where your birth trauma experience is acknowledged, heard, and validated. I understand that the excitement surrounding your baby’s arrival may have been overshadowed by the overwhelming sense of feeling mentally and physically wounded. Let’s embark on a healing journey together, helping you find solace and strength in reclaiming your well-being.

What is Birth Trauma

Being in a situation in which you are helpless, feel out of control, and fear for your own or your baby’s safety can be traumatic. It is not only terrifying when it happens, but it can leave you with Postpartum PTSD, Anxiety or Depression. 

Traumatizing events can occur around efforts to conceive during pregnancy, birth, or in the postpartum year. 

Trauma can take place when things don’t go as expected, medical interventions are necessary, or there is a loss of control and fear for oneself or the baby’s well-being.  

Breaking the Silence: Acknowledging Your Birth Trauma

If your experience felt traumatic to you, then it was. 

If expressing “I am traumatized” feels uncomfortable to you, I understand. 

If your trauma resulting from your birth experience was overlooked, you are not alone.

If you feel like you should not be traumatized because you have a healthy baby to show for, or it was “not so bad,” trust your feelings

Birth Trauma Can Impact Your Birthing Partner

Birth trauma is not limited to birthing individuals alone. It can also affect non-birthing parents and others who witnessed a traumatic birth, leaving them anxious, depressed, or even traumatized.

How Birth Trauma Can Impact You

Birth trauma can have a profound impact on individuals and their loved ones. Here are some ways in which birth trauma can affect you:

1. Emotional Rollercoaster: 
Birth trauma can leave you feeling emotionally distressed. You may experience some or many symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, or inadequacy.

2. Relationship Struggles: 
Birth trauma can strain your relationships with your partner and family members. It may be challenging to communicate effectively, and you might feel resentment or a lack of understanding from your loved ones.

3. Parenting Challenges: 
Bonding and attachment with your baby can be affected by birth trauma. You might find it difficult to connect with your child or experience feelings of detachment, which can impact your ability to provide your baby’s care. 

4. Physical Health Concerns: Birth trauma can result in physical health issues such as birth injuries, including pelvic floor dysfunction, perineal tears, or difficulties with breastfeeding.

 5. Birth Anxiety: If you’ve experienced birth trauma, subsequent pregnancies and births can be particularly challenging. Fear, anxiety, and a heightened sense of vulnerability may arise, requiring additional support and care.

 6. Long-Term Mental Health Effects: Untreated birth trauma can have long-lasting effects on your mental health and overall well-being. It may contribute to ongoing anxiety, depression, and difficulties in your life.

Therapy can Support and Guide Your Recovery

I’m so glad you’re considering trauma therapy to help heal from your birth trauma. As a trauma therapist with over 20 years of experience, I have had the privilege of supporting numerous women on their journey to recovery. Together, we can create a safe and nurturing space where you can explore and process the emotions and memories associated with your birth experience.  In our therapy sessions, we will work collaboratively to address the specific challenges and triggers that you may be facing. Using evidence-based techniques, including EMDR, we will gently guide you through the healing process. It’s important to remember that healing takes time, but with patience, compassion, and the right support, you can regain a sense of empowerment and find peace in your journey as a parent. Remember, you are not alone, and I am here to support you every step of the way. I use trauma-informed, specific treatment approaches like EMDR to help you process what happened so you can move on with your parenting experience.

Resources:

• Birth & Trauma Support Group
• Traumatic Birth Stories and Support
• Perinatal Support Washington 
• Maternal Near-Miss Survivors
• Black Women Do VBAC
• Postpartum Support International (Espanol)
• Prevention & Treatment of Traumatic Birth 

If you’re dealing with a traumatic childbirth or NICU experience, I want to help, contact Iris Hogan.