Birth Trauma Awareness Week
JULY 13-19: Understanding the Cost of Birth Trauma
Thy Do | Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
BSW (Hons), AMHSW, GCAMHS (Perinatal & Infant)
This week, we’re opening up the conversation about birth trauma — what it is and how it can affect you. If your birth experience was difficult or traumatic, talking to someone can make a real difference.
What is birth-related trauma?
Birth trauma occurs when a person experiences the birth of their baby as deeply distressing or frightening. This might happen if the birth involved physical pain or emotional distress, medical interventions you didn’t understand, or if you felt powerless, unheard, or unsupported. Separation from your baby, fear for safety, or a birth that differed from what you hoped for can all contribute to feeling traumatised. Some parents also experience ongoing pain or complications that can prolong recovery and add to their distress.
You’re not alone. As many as 1 in 3 mothers experience the birth of their baby as traumatic. Birth trauma also affects fathers, partners and non-birthing parents who witness the experience.
How birth trauma shows up
Birth trauma can show up in many ways. You might experience disappointment, shame, anger, or grief. Some parents feel a loss of confidence in their ability to birth or parent, or find it hard to bond with their baby. You might have flashbacks to the birth, feel hypervigilant about your baby’s health, or find yourself avoiding people and places that remind you of what happened. Other common experiences include low mood and fatigue, anxiety or panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, brain fog, and feeling overwhelmed by parenting tasks. If you’re noticing these feelings or behaviours, it’s important to reach out for support.
Getting help
Talking about your birth experience in a safe and non-judgmental space can be an important step in your recovery. Whether you’re processing a difficult birth, preparing for another birth after trauma, or supporting someone else, support is available.
Your GP, midwife and child health nurse are a good starting point and can refer you to a range of health professionals who specialise in postnatal care and recovery.
As a Mental Health Social Worker with a special interest in perinatal and infant mental health, Thy is here to support you as you navigate the early stages of parenthood.
You can make an appointment online or by calling our friendly reception staff on (08) 7231 1628.