Understanding birth trauma

Birth trauma (or birth-related trauma) can involve a physical trauma such as a pelvic floor injury, or it can be psychological, such as intrusive thoughts around memories of the birth. Often it is both. In Australia, one in three new parents will perceive their birth experience as traumatic.  

Birth-related trauma is subjective, meaning that it does not have to be life threatening or medically traumatic to have a psychological impact. Some symptoms of birth related trauma aren’t always immediate, and a parent’s perception of the birth can take some time to process. Those who might describe their labour as ‘normal’ or ‘textbook’ can struggle to understand why they feel so confused, anxious or distressed by their experience.  

Some types of birth-related trauma are caused by emergency situations such as being rushed to hospital for an emergency birth, or experiencing birth loss, or if a baby is born with a disability. Parents can also experience trauma in circumstances where they feel powerless or out of control, not listened to, or where the birth does not meet expectations. Maybe there was more pain than anticipated or available supports were not helpful. It can also arise when a past trauma re-surfaces, for example a previous history of sexual assault or violence, or a previous birth related trauma. Partners or other support people who have witnessed a traumatic birth, can also experience psychological birth related trauma.

Some people who experience birth-related trauma suffer relatively short-lived effects that resolve on their own or with some support, either informal or professional. For others, these symptoms do not ease over the months after the birth and they may need professional support and treatment from a doctor, counsellor or both. This applies to a person who has witnessed a traumatic birth as well.

Parenting following a traumatic birth can feel exhausting and isolating and can have a significant impact on the parent-infant relationship. It can be difficult for new parents to reach out for support. It’s important for friends, family and professionals to validate the new parent’s experience and to reassure them that support is available.

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Signs of ongoing birth trauma effects:

• Feelings of panic or terror when reminded of the birth  
• Reacting to sensory reminders such as smells or sounds
• Unwanted memories or flashbacks of the birth that appear suddenly and without warning, causing distress
• Nightmares and disrupted sleep
• Strong feelings of anger about the birth
• Replaying the events over and over
• Feeling guilty that the birth turned out the way it did
• Avoiding reminders, such as avoiding driving near the hospital where it happened
• Feeling unemotional, numb or detached
• Relationship issues

Sometimes Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops after a traumatic birth, and this may need some more targeted interventions.

It is important to remember that professional support is available to help parents understand, manage and treat the feelings and symptoms arising after a traumatic birth. Being heard and validated in a safe environment is an important part of the recovery process.  

For more information, resources and support, please visit the Australasian Birth Trauma Association website at www.birthtrauma.org.au‍

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References

_{Psychological consequences of pelvic floor trauma following vaginal birth: A qualitative study from two Australian tertiary maternity units. Skinner et al. 2018.}

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Other helpful resources

Grief and loss

Perinatal Bereavement

Understanding Trauma Triggers During the Perinatal Period

Factsheet: Birth Trauma

The Australasian Birth Trauma Association