What Does Birth Trauma Look Like in Mothers? Signs to Look Out for From a Postpartum Therapist
Written by: Melissa Light, LPC, NCC, PMH-C
What is Birth Trauma?
Childbirth is one of the most life-changing experiences, and the media often portrays it as a magical and beautiful moment. For many birth-giving people, the experiences they have during the birth process don’t match up to the story they wanted or expected. Birth trauma describes any physical or emotional distress experienced during or after the birthing process. The description is broad because each person defines what is traumatic to them. Anything that a new mom feels is traumatic is a trauma!
As a therapist who supports new moms, some common experiences involve a feeling of the loss of control/powerlessness over your own body or decisions made in the birth process, concerns for your physical well-being or the baby’s well-being, and unexpected or unwanted birth outcomes.
After birth, there is a period of physical healing happening alongside other obligations. Such as caring for a new baby, which can make coping with trauma even more difficult. Recognizing the symptoms of birth trauma is a crucial part of addressing it in postpartum therapy.
Common Signs to Look Out For:
- Persistent Anxiety or Panic Attacks: Mothers may experience overwhelming fear or anxiety. Often triggered by reminders of the birth experience.
- Flashbacks and Intrusive Thoughts: Recurrent, distressing memories of birth and intrusive thoughts can intrude on daily life, making it hard to focus or relax.
- Emotional Numbness or Detachment: Some mothers may feel disconnected from their emotions or experience a sense of emotional flatness.
- Difficulty Bonding with the Baby: Struggles with forming an emotional connection with the newborn can be a sign of unresolved trauma.
- Sleep Disturbances: Nightmares or insomnia related to the birth can indicate ongoing trauma.
- Hypervigilance: An increased state of alertness, a frequent desire to check on the baby, feeling “on edge,” and/or being easily startled can be symptoms of trauma.
- Avoidance Behavior: Avoiding places, conversations, or even people that remind the mother of the birth can be a coping mechanism for trauma.
- Changes in Mood: Experiencing sudden mood swings such as tearfulness or rage, feeling your responses are more intense or less intense than your “usual” reactions can also be a sign of trauma.
When to Seek Support
If any of these signs resonate or if you find you just don’t feel like yourself, seeking support is crucial. Here are some indicators that it’s time to reach out:
- Interference with Daily Functioning: If trauma symptoms are disrupting daily activities or relationships.
- Persistent Symptoms: If symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, or emotional numbness persist beyond a few weeks and are not improving.
- Impact on Parenting: Difficulty in bonding with the baby or managing parenting responsibilities.
- Coping Mechanisms: Relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, to manage emotions.
Postpartum Therapy for Birth Trauma
Having supportive people in your life who are able to listen to you and your experiences is helpful. However, it can be really hard and even scary to talk about a traumatic experience. Sometimes well-meaning people make statements that can be hurtful or triggering, or they may not be aware of the serious impact of birth trauma. As a woman who has just gone through the birth process, you deserve extra care and nurturing.
A trauma-informed therapist can help you understand and cope with what you are going through. Postpartum therapy provides expert support in helping you to talk about your experiences in a way that supports healing and growth while helping you manage any emotional symptoms you may be experiencing.
Here are some therapeutic approaches that we offer at Informed Therapy Group:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps individuals process and reframe negative thoughts related to the trauma, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy helps individuals reconstruct their personal stories, helping them to make sense of the experience and empowering them to create their own meaning.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Trauma often shows up as a physical reaction. Gaining an understanding of the mind-body connection and developing strategies for mindfulness meditation and grounding skills can help to create a sense of safety, address symptoms, and improve emotion regulation.
Birth trauma is a serious and often misunderstood experience. One that can have profound effects on a mother’s mental health and overall well-being. Recognizing the signs of trauma, knowing when to seek support, and exploring therapeutic options are essential steps in the healing process. With the right support and therapy, mothers can work through their experiences, regain control, and find a renewed sense of peace and connection with their babies. If you or someone you know is struggling with birth trauma, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength and an important step towards recovery. At Informed Therapy Group, we have therapists experienced with birth trauma who can support you as you heal. Connect with a supportive therapist or by calling (404) 444-8974.
Find Support Navigating Birt Trauma With Postpartum Therapy in Atlanta, GA
If you’re struggling with birth trauma and seeking support, postpartum therapy can be a transformative step toward healing and reclaiming your well-being. Our compassionate postpartum therapists at Infromed Therapy Group are here to provide the understanding and care you need during this challenging time. Begin your journey towards recovery and find the support you deserve by following these three simple steps:
- Contact us to schedule an appointment
- Meet with a caring postpartum therapist
- Begin healing from your birth trauma.
Other Services Offered with Informed Therapy
At Informed Therapy Group, we know you may be struggling with more than one mental health concern. In addition to supporting you as you navigate birth trauma with postpartum therapy, we are also happy to offer therapy for depression, therapy for stress management, anxiety therapy, and neurodivergent therapy. We also offer therapy for grief and loss, couples therapy, and pregnancy counseling. To learn more about Informed Therapy read About Us, FAQs, and our blog!
