Going into pregnancy and birth we have such high hopes. We prepare and plan, shop and decorate, exercise and breath, and of course we daven...
However, there are so many aspects of our birth journey that are simply beyond our control. Reality has a way of taking us by surprise and all of a sudden everything can be turned on its head; we’re dealing with a birth situation that we could never have foreseen and certainly didn’t plan! Most of us will be able to re-adjust and absorb the changes, working with the reality presented to us. Statistics show that 80% of women will succeed in settling their emotions using their natural resilience and innate skills within a month of a difficult birth experience. However, the other 20% might struggle for longer, with the memories and feelings of what they’ve been through bringing up unwanted emotional or physical responses for months or even years after the event.
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What situations can lead to birth trauma?
We would think birth trauma would only occur when there is a major medical emergency that poses a threat to life. However, in reality even objectively low-level emotional or physical distress can lead to birth trauma. Additionally any distressing situation that goes on for 'Too Much, Too Long' could potentially lead to symptoms of Birth Trauma.
The following circumstances are all situations that could result in Birth Trauma:
Hyperemesis Gravidarum * Miscarriage * Ectopic Pregnancy * Illness of mum or baby in pregnancy * Bleeding in pregnancy * Hospitalization * Being alone in labour * Not being believed * Not being listened to * Uncaring medical support * Unplanned intervention * Emergency c-section * Breastfeeding issues * Struggle getting to the Mikvah
Causes of birth trauma are not limited to these examples. Trauma is deeply personal and any situation where a woman feels helpless or threatened or emotionally vulnerable during the course of her birth journey can lead to a birth trauma outcome.
Who might suffer from Birth Trauma?
Surprisingly enough, it is not just the birthing mother who can be affected by birth trauma. Anyone present during a difficult or frightening birth situation - a husband or birth partner, a midwife or obstetrician, a doula and even the baby(!) - can all suffer from trauma reactions.
Other children in the family - who may experience the birth indirectly through over-heard conversations and expressions of alarm or by seeing ambulances or bloodstains etc - can also experience an adverse trauma reaction.
Trauma is subjective, hence although there may be many people in the room, they will all process a traumatic episode differently and no one should be judged or compared to others.
Some symptoms of Birth Trauma
Symptoms of Birth Trauma can include any of the following;
- Panic attacks
- Flashbacks
- Low mood
- Physical symptoms (such as stomach pains etc)
- Fear of another pregnancy or birth
- Panic when confronted by anything birth-related
- Detachment from baby
- Constant anxiety
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Avoiding talking about the birth
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Releasing Birth Trauma through therapy
The amazing thing about trauma is that it is not a mental health illness and can therefore be fully cured! Trauma therapy functions by tapping into the subconscious mind and shifting the trauma from the amygdala – the ‘under-threat’ area of the brain – to the neo-cortex – the long-term memory store.
In my work as a Birth Trauma Release (BTR) practitioner I have repeatedly seen clients achieve incredible results whether in-person or over zoom. The techniques are very fast-working and often a dramatic shift occurs after only 2-3 sessions; usually no more than 3-6 sessions are required. Already after their 2nd session many women begin to feel a renewed sense of calm and entertain positive thoughts for the future, feeling able to look back on the traumatic incident without becoming emotional or upset.
Being There for Yourself
Often we are so busy with our myriad responsibilities - taking care of everyone around us - that we neglect to take care of ourselves. However, the fallout of birth trauma is real and should not be ignored and, ultimately, you and those you love may pay a high price for something that is entirely resolvable! If this is something you think you might be suffering from - however long ago the traumatic event occurred - be kind to yourself and take the step that will allow you to move forward and live your best life!
Please be in touch for a free consultation as to whether BTR is the correct approach for you.
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