An often overlooked impact of giving birth is the trauma that many women experience. According to the BBC, millions of women worldwide have developed conditions, such as PTSD, linked to that trauma, yet awareness of the impact on women and their children is low. The fact of the matter is that birth trauma can have a lasting impact on a mother and her family; being aware of the signs of trauma, and helping to mitigate it, can improve quality of life both for the mother and her family.
Building support
Birth trauma is much more widespread than you may think, and can have a big impact on life in the future for those affected. As outlined by Healthline, 1 in 3 women change their mind after a traumatic childbirth, and opt not to have any more children. Accordingly, help must be forthcoming. The first step is providing a support network. This is vital for both mother and child. A traumatic birth can often lead to health problems for a child; for instance there is a clear link between birth asphyxia and cerebral palsy. Having a strong support network is absolutely crucial to help all members of the family to adapt and learn what these health implications mean.
Medical help
A familial support network is only as good as the medical advice given alongside. Birth trauma is a confirmed and recognized form of PTSD, and pursuit of treatment to that effect is important. Modern PTSD treatments are often non-invasive, combining medication with new procedures such as eye movement therapy, and older forms like psychotherapy.
Healing and prevention
With the right medical care, a strong support network and a family looking to help the mother, it is possible to recover from birth trauma and, possibly, look forward to having another child. There are ways for birth trauma to be prevented; a 2017 study published by the Springer Archives of Women’s Mental Health found that regular interventions by a caregiver can help to reduce the sensation of a ‘loss of control’ during labor, which has been earmarked as the chief creator of birth trauma.
In many ways, the best way to address birth trauma is through simple love, care and attention. Between family support networks, the good work of medical professionals and a commitment to future healing, it’s entirely possible to find relief from the pressures of birth trauma. In time, new mothers may even start to think about having another child.
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