WHAT IS BIRTH TRAUMA
Approximately 6% of women are diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth. It is thought, however that a further 20 – 25% of women have symptoms that go undiagnosed or that are mistakenly diagnosed with postnatal depression. This is especially likely if they don’t meet the full PTSD criteria. These women may be prescribed anti-depressants because trauma symptoms can make you feel depressed. However, symptoms of PND and trauma differ. Someone who is depressed will often feel lethargic, unmotivated and find it hard to find the energy to go about their day. A woman suffering from traumatic stress will be in ‘fight or flight’ mode, often on high alert. They may experience anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares and flashbacks. A person experiencing symptoms of trauma may find they avoid certain places/people/conversations that remind them of their negative experience and trigger unwanted and often debilitating symptoms.
WHO GETS BIRTH TRAUMA?
Around 80% of the time, when a traumatic event occurs the person effected will naturally process it and the trauma symptoms will not longer continue, this often happens within about a month. The remaining 20% will benefit greatly from psychological treatment to ensure the trauma memory is processed and the in turn the debilitating symptoms impacting their lives will reduce.
MY BIRTH WAS STRAIGHT FORWARD SO CAN IT STILL BE TRAUMA?
It is often assumed that only really dramatic events can that cause trauma, but we know this is not the case. Some women can have a ‘straight forward’ or ‘good’ birth and be left feeling traumatised due to feelings such as; loss of control, not feeling listened to, privacy not being protected, intense fear, lack of consent for medical intervention, being left alone, lack of communication from professionals etc.
Birth, or birth related trauma is unique to each person experiencing it and is based on the individuals experience or perception of their birth experience, whatever that may have been.
It is not just birthing women who can suffer from birth or related trauma, but also their partners, birth companions and birth professionals. Trauma symptoms can affect anyone who witnesses or experiences something which leaves them with feelings of fear or powerlessness.