According to birthtrauma.org.au (2021), for some birth can be a mixed experience or even very negative, resulting in physical and/or psychological injuries (trauma) with lasting negative impacts on their lives. Help is available for women and their partners who are struggling with ongoing problems related to the birthing experience.
Birth trauma can be physical or psychological (deeply upsetting and distressing) or a combination of both. Both mother and the father/partner can be affected by birth trauma.
How do affected parents get help?
Talk about your feelings.
Birth Trauma (2021) suggests initially talking about your feelings to your partner, friends, family, mother’s group, a mento, facebook support group or any close networks you feel comfortable with.
If you need health professional support, the sooner you do so the sooner you can start your recovery and find coping tools for both at home and at work. Chat to your obstetrician or GP if you need to speak with somebody and they may then refer you onto an expert in the field.
Retrieve information that may help you understand what has happened. If you are feeling confused about your experience in hospital, it may help to obtain details of what actually happened. This may provide insight into what interventions were used and why. Whilst this may be painful to relive, you may feel a sense of relief or closure. You could do this by discussing your notes with your midwife or obstetrician – Birth Trauma (2021).
Find time for you.
Take it day by day and be gentle to yourself. Try a gentle walk, reading a book, meditating or listen to a helpful podcast (such as Beyond the Bump, The Parenthood or any others you enjoy).