When It Feels Like Birth Happens TO You

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

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)

The theme I have heard from postpartum people I have worked with is how traumatic it felt when birth was happening TO them, rather than feeling like an active participant in their birth.

It is so common, and normal, to go into your birth believing it will be this beautiful, transformational experience.
Many times it is.

Many times it is not.

And when you experience the latter, it can be so jarring, and drastically impact a person as they enter into parenthood.

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. 

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.

And if you are interested in getting more information, insight, and resources from me that I do not share on my blog, click here to sign up for my weekly email!