Let’s Talk Perinatal PTSD

Up to 45% of birth parents report their birth as traumatic. 

4% of birth parents, and even up to 18.5% of those in high risk groups (e.g., current depression in the birth parent, history of mental illness, and infant complications), develop post-traumatic stress disorder. 

There can be ‘Big T’ traumas (e.g., death, natural disasters) and ‘little t’ traumas (e.g., feeling abandoned, lack of control).

Cheryl Beck, a pioneer in researching childbirth trauma, says trauma is in the “eye of the beholder”. Beck’s research has shown that ‘little t’ traumas in childbirth can look like:

-Perception of lack of caring (e.g., felt abandoned, stripped of dignity, lack of support and reassurance)

-Poor communication (e.g., felt invisible, not heard, not important)

-Feeling of powerlessness (e.g., betrayal of trust, didn’t feel protect by staff, lack of control)

What might symptoms of PTSD look like in the perinatal period? There are four different sub-categories with their own specific characteristics:

Intrusion

-Nightmares about the trauma(s)

-Recurring feelings and ruminating thoughts (about birth or past trauma)

-Distressing memories 

-Flashbacks

-Reminders on yearly anniversary of traumatic birth (i.e., child’s birthday)

-Somatic complaints (e.g., physical pain)

-Feeling violated while breastfeeding

Avoidance

-Distancing from partner

-Impaired parent-infant bonding

-Avoiding contact with providers or hospital

-Denial (e.g., of traumas having occurred or that there is a problem at all)

-Emotional numbing

-Avoidance of further pregnancies

-Elective cesarean births in future pregnancies

Negativity in Cognitions and Moods

-Guilt (e.g., in the case of early delivery, feeling like they/their body failed their baby)

-Depression/hopelessness (e.g., feeling like they won’t be/aren’t a good parent)

-Negative thoughts (e.g., about self, relationship with baby, events that occurred)

-Persistent and distorted sense of blame on self or others (i.e., doctors, doula, partner)

-Insufficient milk supply (as a result of stress, anxiety, hopelessness, etc.)

Arousal

-Sleep disturbance

-Poor concentration

-Aggression

-Hypervigilance

-Exacerbation in future pregnancies

If you, or someone you know, may be experiencing a PMAD, please reach out for support. Postpartum Support International is an incredible website, full of information about PMADs, gives access to online support groups, and has a provider directory to help you find a therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health.

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