Birth trauma is more common than many people realize. Expecting mothers know that giving birth will be painful, but they are often told that the physical discomfort won’t matter in the end. Once the baby has arrived, love will overpower all of those difficult memories and painful sensations.
However, this is not necessarily true. While many mothers do look back on childbirth as an empowering and fulfilling experience, it can also be traumatic, depending on the circumstances.
Birth trauma does not mean that the mother did anything wrong. It’s just one possible outcome of what has always been a risky process for women. But if you’re not familiar with the concept, it can be tough to spot the warning signs in yourself, your partner, or a loved one.
Here are a few signs that a new mother is experiencing birth trauma.
Trouble Bonding With the Baby
Not everyone experiences an intense rush of love towards their baby the minute they are born. It can take time for this bond to develop! However, sometimes mothers struggle to bond with their babies, specifically due to birth trauma.
Experiencing serious complications during childbirth can make it harder to feel this bond. If you’re struggling to bond with your baby, it’s not because you lack a parental instinct. It could easily be because you had a traumatic birth experience that is interfering with these emotions.
Intense Anxiety
Postpartum anxiety occurs for many new parents, but it’s more prevalent in mothers. You may find yourself worrying constantly about your own health, your baby’s wellbeing, and your child’s future.
Sometimes, this anxiety is related to a birth plan that did not go as you had hoped. This loss of control can be understandably frightening for new mothers.
Postpartum Depression
Even mothers who have positive birth experiences can go through the “baby blues” after having their child. This refers to a period of a few weeks after childbirth during which mothers can often feel moody or down due to changing hormone levels.
However, postpartum depression is much more serious. Postpartum depression can persist for months to years if left untreated, and it’s characterized by deep feelings of sadness and exhaustion. Mothers who experience birth trauma are much more likely to be diagnosed with PPD.
Feeling Helpless or Unheard
Many women feel like their needs are overlooked when they are pregnant or going into labor. They might voice concerns that their doctors don’t listen to, or they might try to speak up only to have their worries dismissed.
Sometimes, a woman experiences birth trauma specifically because their healthcare providers ignore their concerns that something is wrong. This can be devastating for new mothers who are in a vulnerable place in life and now feel like they cannot trust their doctors.
Feeling unheard and dismissed is another common symptom of birth trauma.
Flashbacks
If you had a traumatic childbirth experience, you might have flashbacks to these moments every now and then. Sometimes, the flashbacks can feel overpowering. They might interfere with your day-to-day life, and you might even experience them while cuddling with your baby or trying to enjoy family time.
Being unable to predict when you’ll deal with these flashbacks might make you hesitant to go certain places that might trigger them. Working with a therapist can help you process these memories and cope with these flashbacks. This will give you a safe place to deal with these emotions.
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Do you suspect that you’re struggling with birth trauma? Working with a therapist can help you heal. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session for postpartum therapy.