Identifying a Traumatic Birth Experience
Every birthing is unique and for some women, their birth experience can be deeply troubling and even cause post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To an outsider, some births may seem very difficult and traumatic, while the mother may not have experienced it that way. The opposite can be true as well, some mother's may feel that their birth experience was traumatizing (for a variety of reasons) when it might be considered "normal" by medical professionals.
Identifying Birth Trauma
According to trauma psychologist Charles Figley, it is helpful to consider subjective characteristics when identifying trauma as it relates to birth, specifically if the event is sudden, overwhelming and dangerous.
Questions to Consider
SUDDEN: Did things happen quickly? Did your birth change from "fine" too dangerous in a short time? Did anyone have time to explain what was happening to you?
OVERWHELMING: Did you feel swept away by the hospital routine? Were you physically restrained? Did you feel disconnected from what was happening? Did you have general anesthetic?
DANGEROUS: Was your delivery a medical emergency? Did you have failed anesthesia? Did you develop a life-threatening complication? Was the baby in danger? Did you think you or your baby would die?
If you identify with any of above, maternal mental health counseling may be beneficial in helping you process the events and emotions surrounding your birth experience.
