Even though being a mother is one of the most beautiful experiences for many women, the process of labour is traumatic for 1 out of 3 women. My name is Jen Stuart and, in today’s post, we will talk about one of the topics less addressed in our society: birth trauma.

Is it normal to be traumatised after giving birth?

If you are suffering from birth trauma, you are not alone. You belong to the 25-34% of women who reported having difficult birthing experiences. Some of them don’t want more children to avoid going through labour again, others develop PTSD. That’s how severe the experience can be, very far away from the idealised view of pregnancy.

Many women suffer from birth trauma, sometimes in silence. It’s safe to share how you feel. I have worked with a few clients that suppressed birth trauma so deep into their bodies that, in the first session of Trauma Sensitive Trauma, they experienced a huge release. For many of them, after that first instance of being brought back into their body, the process of embodying started.

Why do some women need to heal after birth?

credit : Camila Cordeiro

• It can be a very aggressive physical experience

First, second, third or even fourth-degree vaginal tear during childbirth is not uncommon. Doctors may also perform an episiotomy, which is a surgical cut to enlarge the vagina. Women can also have intense and painful contractions for several hours.

• Lack of control 

Women can feel defenceless during birth because they are not in control of anything. There is nothing they can do to stop the pain they are suffering, and that’s why some body areas may be numbed as a protective mechanism, which leads them to disconnect from their bodies.

• Lack of information

Many women have unclear expectations about childbirth and feel overwhelmed when finally going through it. They are oblivious of the fact that a lot of blood will come out during birth, how intense the pain is, that the doctor will need to review that there is nothing left inside the uterus, etc. 

Birth trauma symptoms

• Intrusive recollections: Such as flashbacks, nightmares, and memories that provoke strong reactions when they are recalled.

• Over-arousal: Difficulty sleeping, panic attacks, irritability, among others.

• Avoidance: Try to block childbirth memories, avoid talking about the experience, amnesia, etc.

• Numbness: Lower body can feel numb. Women feel disconnected from their own selves.

• Trauma Sensitive Yoga for the recovery of birth trauma 

• Mindfulness

Women will be able to accept that they went through a traumatic experience and recognise their body reactions and be aware of the intrusive thoughts to direct their attention to positive thoughts.

• Be empowered 

Change your relationship with trauma. Approach the traumatic experience from another perspective, finding the chance to feel empowered from surviving to it and facing it.

• Recover your body

Interoception will allow you to be aware of your body, regaining ownership of it. Improve your relationship with yourself, mentally and physically. Learn to feel yourself, moment to moment, and step out from a zone of discomfort to one of comfort.

Overcoming a traumatic birth experience might be necessary for you, and you have the right to heal without feeling judged or rushed. Start healing from a difficult birth practicing Yoga for Trauma, at your own pace, in a safe space. For more information, please visit Journey with Jen.