From Labour to Liberation

GRIEF SUPPORTMENTAL HEALTHWOMEN'S HEALTHPERINATAL MENTAL HEALTHTRAUMA
Written By Cherry Tree Counselling & Psychotherapy Services

Reclaiming Power After Birth Trauma

The word trauma is used a lot these days, what does it mean?

Trauma can be described as a complex phenomenon deeply ingrained in the human experience: the challenging emotional aftermath of distressing events. Its impact can vary widely from person to person. While some individuals may emerge from difficult experiences seemingly unscathed, others grapple with enduring emotional scars. Such events often encompass abuse, neglect, or disrupted attachment, which can manifest as either chronic, long-term trauma or arise from a singular, acute incident.

Trauma extends beyond the individual, affecting those who bear witness to traumatic events or work closely with traumatized individuals, such as nurses, doctors, police, or bystanders to an accident. The consequences of personal and collective trauma can be profound. This highlights the complex relationship between the two. It is important to recognize this relationship and work towards healing both individual and communal wounds.

 

Navigating the aftermath of trauma

There is no “right” way to cope after experiencing trauma.

Each individual responds differently to distressing events - some find healing in time, while others seek healing through self-help or therapeutic interventions. Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event develops PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) either. Just because you are not diagnosed with PTSD does not mean a traumatic event did not affect you. The human brain, which is naturally wired for self-preservation, may end up using coping mechanisms that unintentionally worsen the response to trauma, much like a forgotten kettle, left boiling until pressure builds up, will explode. 

People may struggle with misplaced guilt or confusion about their emotional reactions, especially when their experiences are not directly related to war or abuse. The experiences our family goes through can have a lasting impact on us. It could be a single or ongoing experience that resonates through our collective consciousness. This is called intergenerational trauma. For example, children of holocaust survivors and Indigenous populations often have to deal with the consequences of the trauma their parents experienced. People may feel guilt or confusion as to why they feel anxious, dysregulated or hypervigilent when they have not gone through a war or abuse themselves.


 

Five Steps to Cultivate a Supportive Environment

Recognizing the diverse pathways to healing becomes imperative to foster a trauma-informed approach in everyday interactions.

While we may not know what happened to the people around us, there are ways we can make the journey a little easier and put some trauma-informed principles into our everyday lives. Here are five steps to cultivate a supportive environment:

EDUCATE YOURSELF: Take the initiative to understand the multifaceted impacts of trauma, as you're doing by engaging with this article.

AVOID JUDGEMENTS: Foster an environment free from stereotypes and judgment. Normalize discussions around trauma, assuring individuals that their experiences are valid and not indicative of personal weakness.

PROVIDE TRIGGER WARNINGS: Prioritize sensitivity in conversations by offering warnings before discussing potentially triggering topics such as conflicts, self-harm, or loss. This empowers individuals to make informed choices about their engagement.

EXERCISE PATIENCE: Recognize that healing is a gradual process. Offer patience and support to loved ones as they navigate their journey towards recovery.

SHARE RESOURCES: Empower individuals by sharing information about support services, crisis centers, or trauma-informed therapists. While you may not have all the answers, connecting individuals with appropriate resources can facilitate their path to healing.

 

Birth Trauma

The birth experience is formative and critical for both the birthing parent and the infant; for some, it can be a positive experience and for others, it is a distressing and traumatic event.

We all hope for a positive birth experience with positive emotions and perceptions as these emotions and perceptions can support mental health in the challenging and important postpartum stage which occurs after birth.

 

More than 45% of women report experiencing birth trauma and yet it often goes unrecognized which results in new parents not receiving sufficient support or treatment.

 

What is birth trauma?

Birth trauma refers to psychological distress related to a birth experience.

This psychological distress may be influenced by a range of experiences during birth from unexpected events, interventions, worries, disappointments, physical injury of the parent or baby in birth or fear of death.

Birth trauma can trigger anxiety, relationship issues, bonding difficulties, loss of self-identity, shame, guilt, anger, feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, sleep difficulties, and grief which may be experienced for up to two years or more and can affect attachment between the parent and their infant as well as future birth choices and experiences.

When a parent feels the threat of death for themselves or their baby, this can cause terror, fear and hopelessness which can lead to maternal PTSD. 

 

Can birth trauma be prevented?

Although it is challenging to predict or prevent birth trauma, there are ways to support oneself to mitigate its effects.

  • Mental Health Support - Seek support from maternity care professionals as part of pre-conceptual care which can be maintained throughout pregnancy and up to a year after giving birth (aka the perinatal period).

  • Personal, Social and Environmental Support  - Are you caring for your well-being in terms of physical health, engaging with social support, mitigating stress caused by your workplace and in your home environment?

  • Manage Expectations - Be aware of any cultural, social or personal pressures you feel that may add stress to your birth experience. Consider how to mitigate these pressures to create the safety and space you require for your birth experience.

 

How can we resolve birth trauma?

Often new parents struggle to share negative emotions out of fear of judgment. It is so important to find a safe person with whom to discuss one’s experience and seek support for birth trauma.

IDENTIFY IT
Through validating, and non-judgemental dialogue, health professionals, friends and family can assess if an individual is struggling with their birth trauma.

TELL YOUR STORY
Sharing one's birth trauma story can be cathartic and empowering. Whether through writing, speaking with a trusted friend or therapist, or joining support groups, expressing experiences and emotions can help validate feelings and reduce feelings of isolation.

ENGAGE WITH PROFESSIONALS
Engage with mental health professionals, such as therapists, counsellors, or support groups specializing in birth trauma. These professionals can provide a safe space for processing emotions, gaining perspective, and developing coping strategies tailored to individual needs. This may include connecting with a midwife, doula, doctor and/or a psychotherapist.

 

Reclaiming power after birth trauma

Moving forward after birth trauma is a deeply personal journey, but there are several strategies individuals can employ to facilitate healing and regain a sense of empowerment:

  1. Practice Self-Compassion: Cultivate self-compassion by treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. Recognize that experiencing birth trauma is not a sign of weakness, and offer oneself the same empathy and support that would be extended to a loved one in a similar situation.

  2. Explore Healing Modalities: Explore various healing modalities that resonate with individual preferences and needs, such as mindfulness practices, meditation, yoga, art therapy, or body-centered therapies like somatic experiencing. These modalities can help individuals reconnect with their bodies, process trauma, and promote emotional regulation.

  3. Set Boundaries: Establishing boundaries around discussions of birth trauma and related triggers can be crucial for self-care and emotional well-being. Communicate openly with loved ones, healthcare providers, and support networks about personal boundaries and preferences regarding conversations and support.

  4. Advocate for Yourself: Take an active role in advocating for one's needs and preferences in healthcare settings. Be assertive in expressing concerns, asking questions, and seeking alternatives or additional support when necessary. Remember that individuals have the right to informed consent and collaborative decision-making in their healthcare experiences.

  5. Focus on Self-Care: Prioritize self-care practices that nurture physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This may include getting adequate rest, engaging in enjoyable activities, maintaining a balanced diet, and seeking out social support networks that provide encouragement and understanding.

  6. Reframe the Narrative: Reframe the narrative surrounding the birth experience by focusing on moments of strength, resilience, and growth. Recognize and celebrate personal achievements, milestones, and moments of connection with oneself and one's baby.

  7. Engage in Education and Advocacy: Channel experiences with birth trauma into education and advocacy efforts aimed at raising awareness, promoting systemic changes in maternity care practices, and supporting other individuals who have experienced similar challenges.

  8. Embrace the Journey: Embrace the journey of healing and recovery with patience, self-compassion, and resilience. Remember that healing is not linear and may involve setbacks, but each step taken towards reclaiming power and liberation is a victory in itself.

 

How can psychotherapy help with addressing birth trauma?

Psychotherapy can support individuals struggling with birth trauma by providing a safe, non-judgemental space for sharing one’s experience, lingering feelings and current struggles. Working through challenging feelings and emotions can help give the experience meaning, build back confidence and connection with oneself, and one’s infant, identify one’s needs and ask for support. We have a team of therapists, skilled in specific trauma interventions and available to support individuals seeking guidance and a safe space to address trauma and/or birth trauma. Please feel free to reach out to us by booking a FREE meet and greet session on cherrytree.janeapp.com or by emailing admin@cherrytreecounselling.ca.

If you are a therapist or helping professional who works with trauma/birth trauma, we have a new training course to teach you a specific intervention with a high recovery rate, reach out for more info here.

 

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Connect with us and let’s talk about how we can help you.

Cherry Tree Counselling & Psychotherapy Services
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