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Trauma Therapy and EMDR for Birth Trauma

Birth trauma is a term used to describe the physical or emotional stress a person may experience during or after childbirth. Although childbirth is often anticipated as a joyful event, it can sometimes result in distressing experiences that leave lasting emotional or psychological scars. For some, these experiences lead to postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PP-PTSD), which can disrupt daily life and the mother-infant bond.

Causes of Birth Trauma

Birth trauma can result from both objective and subjective factors during childbirth. Objective factors might include medical complications, such as emergency procedures, labor complications, or the need for interventions like forceps or C-sections. Subjective factors, on the other hand, relate to how the birth was perceived, including:

  • Perceived loss of control during labor.

  • Intense fear or pain without adequate support or reassurance.

  • Lack of support from medical professionals or loved ones.

 

Studies indicate that up to 30-40% of women experience childbirth as traumatic, with 3-4% going on to develop PP-PTSD in community samples, and up to 15-19% in higher-risk groups.

Symptoms of Birth Trauma and PP-PTSD

 

For those affected by birth trauma, symptoms vary but commonly include:

  • Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the birth experience.

  • Physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, or nausea when recalling the birth.

  • Avoidance behaviors like avoiding reminders of childbirth, or even the baby in severe cases.

  • Mood changes including feelings of detachment, numbness, or persistent sadness.

These symptoms can interfere with mother-infant bonding, affect relationships, and sometimes contribute to postpartum depression​.

Treating Birth Trauma

Early intervention can be crucial in addressing birth trauma symptoms. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has demonstrated effectiveness in treating symptoms of PP-PTSD. In studies, women who received EMDR treatment shortly after traumatic childbirth reported significant reductions in flashbacks, distress, and trauma-related symptoms. 

Timely support for mothers experiencing birth trauma can greatly improve outcomes for mum and baby. Effective intervention, whether through EMDR, or other approaches, can help reduce symptoms, improve mother-infant bonding, and foster a healthier emotional state postpartum. 

How We Can Help

EMDR is an effective therapy for postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder; studies have demonstrated EMDR to significantly reduce symptoms of PP-PTSD, often bringing relief in just a few sessions

In addition to EMDR, we also provide a range of scientifically supported therapies including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and compassionate support to help you process your experience, manage symptoms, and reconnect with yourself and your baby. Our goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can work through your experiences and find relief.

Being a mum is hard enough when we're feeling good. You don’t have to face the pain of birth trauma alone. Reach out today to start your journey toward healing, resilience, and the peace of mind that every mother deserves. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

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