Birth trauma, PTSD & Post-natal depression

Birth trauma & PTSD

When you find that you are expecting a baby, you start to plan for the birth, you imagine your life with your new addition to the family and you may start imagining your future with your bundle of joy.

The time comes when your baby is due and sometimes you find that your birth plan is not working out as you hoped or expected for various reasons, but when difficulties arise before, during, or after the birthing process it can have a traumatic effect on you, occasionally leading to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD related symptoms include having intrusive (unwanted) thoughts, flashbacks about your experiences, and being in a state of hypervigilance.

Even if you don’t have PTSD, birth trauma can lead you to feel anxious, angry, low mood, and unable to relax; all of which can prevent you from enjoying or bonding with your newborn.

You don’t have to suffer from these symptoms; there is help for you.

PTSD and other birth traumas cause many unwelcome symptoms because your experiences are left unprocessed by the brain and it can feel like you are still living the trauma. For this reason, talking to a counsellor is not always enough, and a therapy that helps your brain process the trauma can bring relief from the symptoms and emotions connected to the trauma, such as; EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) or AIT (advanced integrative therapy).

For more information about birth trauma these organisations might be helpful;

The Birth Trauma Association has a lot more information for you,

as well as Pandas Foundation,

and Nct.org.uk

PND

Post-Natal Depression on the other hand can affect some women, and even their partners in certain cases, regardless of whether or not you enjoyed the birth you were hoping for; early signs of PND can start at any time during the first year of your baby’s birth. It is important to talk to your GP as soon as you feel that you might be suffering from PND rather than trying to manage your feelings on your own.

The UKCP – the UK’s Council for Psychotherapists holds the UK’s national register of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. It only includes practitioners who meet their standards, robust training requirements and abide by their ethical and professional code. Their register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, and is a recommended resource to find the right therapist for your needs, in your local area.

Author: Bernice Gorringe Adv.Dip., MA, BSc(Hons), UKCP (ACCRED), MBACP, BUPA recognition