How to Cope With the Cascade of Birth Trauma: Tips From a Postpartum Therapist in Atlanta, GA
Becoming a parent can be a roller coaster of emotions, and that’s especially true for those who have experienced birth trauma. This can range from unexpected medical procedures to learning about an infant’s health concerns. These events often leave new parents feeling shocked, anxious, and overwhelmed by the cascade of conflicting emotions they are subjected to in a short burst. While it can feel impossible to move forward following birth trauma, it is possible to heal. This blog post outlines key strategies on how to cope with a difficult or scary birth.
Navigating the Healing Process after Birth Trauma
Childbirth is different for everyone and in some instances, it can leave a lasting impact on the new parents and those involved. Among other factors, the pain, intensity, and unpredictability of the delivery process can trigger a range of emotions including fear, helplessness, and anxiety. These feelings can overwhelm new parents and leave them feeling traumatized long after the event has passed. It is important to not “wait it out” if you are struggling postpartum and experiencing symptoms related to birth trauma. By seeking support and understanding, new parents can learn to overcome these challenges and enjoy parenthood.
How do you know if you have experienced birth trauma:
It can be difficult to determine if you have experienced birth trauma, especially when the focus is on caring for a new baby. However, there are several signs to look out for that may indicate a traumatic birth experience:
- Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts about the birth
- Avoiding talking or thinking about the birth
- Feeling numb or disconnected from your emotions
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Changes in sleeping patterns or appetite
- Feeling irritable, angry, or on edge
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek support and talk to a therapist. It is also important to remember that birth trauma can manifest differently for everyone and there is no right or wrong way to feel.
Seeking Professional Support
While it is important to seek support and understanding from loved ones, professional help may be necessary in coping with birth trauma. Talking to a postpartum therapist can help you process your feelings and work through any unresolved issues surrounding your birth. It is important to find someone who will listen without judgment and provide support and validation for your experience. So often we have preconceived notions regarding what a birth should look like or feel like as a parent. When our experience does not align with these expectations, it can lead to feelings of disappointment, shame, or failure. It is important to recognize that every birth experience is unique. A therapist can help you explore these feelings and thoughts and learn healthy ways to cope. Again, don’t struggle with these difficult emotions on your own!
A therapist will also help you explore any moments where you felt afraid, helpless, or vulnerable during your birth. When you process these emotions in therapy, they begin to decrease in intensity. Once you have identified your feelings, then you can work with a therapist using CBT, EMDR or other techniques to help you reprocess and release any negative emotions or fears attached to your birth experience. This can be a powerful and healing process that allows you to move forward from the trauma. It can also help you build a new, more neutral narrative around your birth experience. While it may never be the experience you had hoped for, it will no longer be an experience that leaves you feeling intense negative emotions or fears.
Practice self-care and find ways to help support your healing from birth trauma.
It’s easy to put your own needs on hold when caring for a new baby, but it is important to prioritize self-care during this challenging time. If you’re struggling to cope with the aftermath of your birth experience, it’s important to take care of yourself and find ways to support your healing. This might involve nurturing your body with healthy foods and gentle exercise, prioritizing rest, seeking counseling or therapy, connecting with other moms who have experienced similar trauma, and exploring healing practices such as mindfulness or meditation. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to heal from birth trauma, and the most important thing is to be patient and compassionate with yourself throughout the journey.
Seek out social support
Following a traumatic birth experience, it may be difficult to talk about your feelings or even process what has happened. However, seeking out social support from loved ones, friends, and other new parents can provide a safe space to share your experiences and feel understood. Joining support groups can also be beneficial. Postpartum Support International has an amazing list of resources and support groups on the website as well as a list of local mental health professionals that specialize in perinatal mental health.
Start Working with a Postpartum Therapist in Atlanta, GA
No one should have to face birth trauma alone. Whether it’s seeking additional support or just needing a listening ear, connecting with other parents who have experienced similar events can be an invaluable resource. But most importantly, be sure to take care of yourself and practice self-compassion. Tap into the valuable resources available today or therapy services if you experience difficulties during the postpartum period Also, don’t ever hesitate to reach out for support from our therapists at Informed Therapy Group —you and your well-being matter more than anything else. You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:
- Reach out to us at Informed Therapy Group at 404-444-8974 for support.
- Meet with a caring therapist.
- Start coping with the stress of birth trauma!
Other Services Offered at Informed Therapy Group
Postpartum therapy isn’t the only service offered by Informed Therapy Group. Our team knows you may be struggling with more than one mental health concern. This is why we are also happy to offer therapy for depression, therapy for stress management, anxiety therapy, and therapy for grief and loss. We also specialize in couples therapy and pregnancy counseling. To learn more about Informed Therapy read About Us, FAQs, and our blog!
