Understanding Birth Trauma
TRIGGER WARNING: this post discusses traumatic events that may occur during birth, please exercise caution before reading and seek support if needed.
Birth trauma is a term used to describe distressing experiences during birth. Here we can differentiate between a challenging birth experience and trauma, as not all of these challenging experiences will result in trauma. It can result from various factors, including:
Medical Complications: Complex or unexpected complications during labor and delivery can contribute to trauma. Emergency procedures, like cesarean sections or forceps deliveries, can be particularly distressing when they weren't part of the birth plan, and they hadn’t been prepared for.
Feelings of Helplessness: A sense of losing control or having decisions made without your input can lead to trauma.
Lack of Support: Feeling unsupported or unheard during labor can contribute to emotional trauma.
Disrespectful Care: Feeling disrespected, humiliated, or mistreated by healthcare providers can cause significant emotional trauma.
Prior Trauma: Women with a history of trauma, such as sexual abuse, may be more vulnerable to experiencing birth trauma.
The Role of a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
Pelvic health physiotherapists are specialists in the area of pelvic floor health. They can play a crucial role in addressing birth trauma by providing support and guidance in the following ways:
Prevention: one of the biggest drivers to create my course Pelvic Floor Prep for Birth is to reduce birth trauma. Research suggests that a difference between our expectations for birth and reality leads to trauma, so this course aims to provide you with comprehensive knowledge and decision making skills, to improve your sense of control when things change, and allow you to make informed choices prior to the stressful situation of labour and birth.
Assessment and Diagnosis: Pelvic health physiotherapists can assess and diagnose physical issues related to birth trauma, such as pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, incontinence, and pelvic pain.
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: we can design customised rehabilitation programs to help mothers regain pelvic floor strength and function. These programs often include exercises and other supports.
Emotional Support: Pelvic health physiotherapists can offer emotional support and help mothers address the emotional aspect of birth trauma, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress. We can also refer on for further support.
Education and Empowerment: They educate mothers about their bodies and how to care for their pelvic health, empowering them to make informed choices during their recovery.
Collaboration: Pelvic health physiotherapists often work alongside other healthcare providers to ensure holistic care for mothers dealing with birth trauma.
Support and Recovery
If you or someone you know is dealing with birth trauma, it's essential to seek help. Here are some steps you can take:
Reach Out: Don't hesitate to speak to your healthcare provider about your experiences and feelings. They can provide guidance and refer you to a pelvic health physiotherapist or mental health professionals if needed.
Support: Consider joining a support group for mothers who have experienced birth trauma. Sharing your experiences with others who have been through similar situations can be immensely comforting. The Australiasian Birth Trauma Association is a fabulous organisation. It provides education and a great list of resources https://birthtrauma.org.au/support-services/
Professional Help: Pelvic health physiotherapy and counseling can be beneficial in addressing physical and emotional aspects of birth trauma.
Self-Care: Prioritise self-care, including a healthy lifestyle, balanced nutrition, and relaxation techniques. A strong support system of family and friends can also make a significant difference.
Remember
Birth trauma is a complex issue that can have a profound impact on a person's well-being. Understanding its causes and effects is the first step in seeking help and support. Pelvic health physiotherapists play an essential role in the prevention, and recovery process, providing both physical and emotional support. By preparing for birth, pregnant mama’s can reduce their risk of experiencing birth trauma. If this has already happened to you, this is your sign to start work towards healing and regaining their physical and emotional well-being after experiencing birth trauma. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available.
