Therapy for Birth Trauma and Postpartum PTSD
Healing and Recovery is possible

Finding Peace and Healing After Birth Trauma: Your Journey Begins Here
Welcome!
I’m glad you’re here because I genuinely believe in your ability to heal. Birth trauma affects many women, and you are not alone. Whether it happened before, during, or after the birth, it can shake us to our core and impact every aspect of our being. Trauma is not only psychological but also physical. You can’t simply forget or move on from it because traumatic memories can become stuck in our brains. Healing takes time and isn’t always straightforward; talk therapy alone may not be enough. A brain-based approach like EMDR and trauma-informed treatment is essential for recovery.
I offer maternal mental health support with a focus on proven, effective trauma-informed therapy. In a nurturing and warm environment, free of judgment, you can unpack what happened to you and find ways to move forward. My support goes beyond the trauma, honoring you as a new mom and, foremost, as an individual I value
“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 let go of your birth or NICU experience.
– Do you find yourself reliving your traumatic birth or hospital experience?
– Are flashbacks or nightmares affecting your sleep?
– Do you avoid reminders of the event and feel anxious or panicky when you can’t?
– Do you constantly feel on edge, anxious, or irritable?
Understanding Birth Trauma
What Is Birth Trauma
Being in any situation where you feel helpless, out of control, and fearful for your own or your baby’s safety can be traumatic. These situations do not only feel terrifying at the moment, but they can also leave lasting effects such as Postpartum PTSD, Anxiety, or Post Partum Depression. Untreated birth trauma has been shown to even cause long term mental health challenges in some women.
Breaking the Silence: Acknowledging Your Birth Trauma
If your experience felt traumatic to you, then it was! You are the only person who gets to decide what constitutes trauma for you. If expressing “I am traumatized” feels uncomfortable, I understand. If your trauma from the birth experience has been overlooked, you are not alone. Trust your feelings, even if you have a healthy baby or if others say it wasn’t “so bad.”
Recognizing When Birth Trauma Can Occur
Traumatizing events can occur during efforts to conceive, throughout pregnancy, during birth, or in the postpartum year. Trauma often arises when things don’t go as expected when medical interventions are necessary, or when there is a loss of control and fear for your or your baby’s well-being.
Impact of Birth Trauma
Birth Trauma Can Impact Your Birthing Partner
Remember, birth trauma isn’t limited to birthing individuals. It can also affect non-birthing parents and others who witnessed a traumatic birth, leaving them feeling anxious, depressed, or even traumatized. Birth partners may develop PTSD symptoms because they, too, might have experienced feelings of helplessness and overwhelm during the birth process.
Birth trauma can profoundly affect individuals and their loved ones. Here are some ways it may impact you:
How Birth Trauma Can Impact You
1. Emotional Rollercoaster: Birth trauma is inherently distressing, often leading to symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, or feelings of inadequacy.
2. Relationship Struggles: Not feeling understood can strain relationships with partners, family, and friends, making effective communication difficult. Feelings of disconnection and loneliness are common.
3. Parenting Challenges: Trauma can disrupt the bond between mother and baby, making it difficult to connect and nurture.
4. Physical Health Concerns: After a difficult birth, various physical health issues can arise, such as pelvic floor dysfunction, perineal tears, chronic pain, breastfeeding difficulties, and fatigue. These issues may go unnoticed by others, making it hard to discuss your struggles and causing feelings of isolation.
5. Anxiety About Future Pregnancies: If you’ve experienced birth trauma, future pregnancies and births can be particularly daunting, often accompanied by fear and anxiety.
6. Long-Term Mental Health Effects: Untreated birth trauma can lead to ongoing anxiety, depression, chronic PTSD and challenges in various aspects of life.
Healing Through Birth Trauma Therapy
I’m glad you’re considering trauma therapy to recover from your birth trauma because I genuinely believe you can heal and thrive as a new mom. With over 20 years of experience as a trauma therapist and focused training in the perinatal period and birth trauma, my passion lies in supporting women like you on their journeys to recovery. Together, we can discover your strengths and help you return to feeling like yourself again.
Why Trauma-Informed Perinatal Therapy Makes a Difference
Trauma-informed therapy is designed to facilitate healing after birth trauma. It recognizes the profound impact of birth trauma and the unique needs of new mothers through specialized, effective, and tailored treatment.
Key Benefits of Trauma-Informed Therapy for Birth Trauma
Safe and Supportive Environment:
We create a warm, nurturing environment where you can safely express your feelings and experiences. With support and compassion, you can address vulnerable and frightening moments. I will provide a compassionate environment where you can feel safe to express your feelings. I understand the emotional complexities that come with birth trauma, and I’m here to listen and support you every step of the way.
Holistic Understanding of Trauma:
Trauma therapy recognizes that the impact of your trauma extends to all facets of you—including physical, emotional, and relational.
Brain Based Therapy, an Integral Part of Treatment
It’s important to recognize that trauma affects both the mind and body. After experiencing traumatic events, your body may become stuck in a state of heightened alertness or numbness. This can lead to symptoms like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and difficulty bonding with your baby. Often, memories of the trauma are frozen, making it hard to process what happened. That’s why I use a proven trauma therapy called EMDR. This treatment is a brain-based therapy, Learn more about trauma and its impact.
Integration of Body and Mind:
I incorporate techniques that recognize the connection between your physical sensations and emotional experiences. This holistic approach promotes comprehensive healing.
Empowerment and Control:
Together, we will work to help you reclaim your narrative about your birth. You will have a safe space to share your experiences and feelings. I will support you in recognizing your strengths and inherent resilience. Help you make informed choices that align with your values and goal.
Coping Strategies:
I will help you develop practical tools and coping strategies tailored to your unique challenges. These strategies will help you manage anxiety, depressive symptoms, and any lingering effects of trauma.
Focus on Resilience:
In our sessions, we will not only address the trauma but also explore and rediscover your strengths and resilience. Together, we will cultivate a positive and self-compassionate outlook for your future.
Community and Connection:
I understand that feeling isolated is often part of birth trauma moms. We will work on reconnecting with others who have had similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and support.
Long-term Support:
I am committed to providing ongoing support as you navigate your healing journey. Whether you’re facing future pregnancies or parenting challenges, I want to offer you the support you need.
Specialized Techniques:
I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy to help process and integrate traumatic memories. This powerful technique can help reduce the emotional charge of traumatic experiences, allowing you to experience relief and a renewed sense of control.
Healing After Birth-Trauma A Tailored Support:
Each person’s journey is unique, and I will work with you to create a personalized approach that meets your specific needs and goals.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to begin your healing journey, please reach out today to schedule a consultation. You are not alone, and support is available. Together, we can work toward healing, understanding, and reclaiming your sense of self after birth trauma.
Resources:
- Birth & Trauma Support Group
- Traumatic Birth Stories and Support
- Perinatal Support Washington
- Black Women Do VBAC
- Postpartum Support International
- Prevention & Treatment of Traumatic Birth
If you’re ready to take the next step in your healing journey, I invite you to reach out. Iris Hogan.

