Birth trauma and recovering from a traumatic birth

Birth is an event that alters life. However, childbirth for some parents is not the euphoric and empowering experience they wanted. It can be a traumatic event, not only physical and emotional, but one whose impacts are translated even after the hospital discharge.

Birth trauma can be in the form of unexpected medical intervention, complications with a threat in the life of a woman or her baby, or feelings that characterize childbirth. Take time to heal from a traumatic birth. While each father’s experience can vary, specific strategies can help him return to the track.

Search for professional support

If his birth experience made him feel overwhelmed, anxious or unable to enjoy early motherhood, professional support can change life. Specialists in birth trauma, the therapists trained in the PTSD, and postpartum mental health professionals can provide coping strategies to handle anxiety and pain.

This can also be in the form of support of pediatric specialists, early intervention programs and parents defense groups for parents whose babies had complications, such as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, to be ordered through long -term medical care.

Recognize your experience without guilt

One of the most challenging sides of birth trauma is the fault that informed so many parents. Sometimes, a mother feels guilty when complications arise, or maybe she feels shame because this was not the “perfect birth” they had imagined. First, know that it is not your fault. The birth is unpredictable, and sometimes trauma occurs even when everything goes perfectly, according to the plan.

Discussing your experience with a trusted partner, friend or support group can be very useful and can be incredibly validating. Writing in a newspaper or talking with others with similar experiences can also help process your emotions.

Prioritize your physical recovery

The recovery of birth trauma implies healing, which is essential. The processes would depend on the type of birth, one is a CS or any experienced complication. Commonly, postpartum recovery includes time to allow caesarean section or healing perineals with appropriate care and rest, pain handling with medications approved by the doctor, warm compresses and soft movement and search for pelvic floor therapy for Dolores acute, weakness or weakness or weakness incontinence.

It is essential not to exercise again or strenuous activities and listen to the body. Taking care of your physical health supports recovery, but will also help restore a sense of control over the body after a challenging birth experience.

Lawyer for yourself in future births

The idea of ​​planning another pregnancy after a traumatic birth is overwhelming, but the steps that one takes to advocate for the needs of one can make a big difference. This may include finding a doctor of the birth, midwife or doula. to enter another pregnancy.

Others do the same with a different environment next time, perhaps having gone to the hospital previously, this time testing a delivery center, and vice versa. Its objective is to create a scenario in which you feel heard and supported with options.

Conclusion

The healing of a traumatic birth is not linear. Some days they will be easier, and some days, even months and years later, you will run into that trigger for a feeling. Allow patience and grace in the process.

This can make a difference for those parents whose traumas are related to complications such as ischemic hypoxic encephalopathy: continuous medical and emotional support. Gathering and connecting with other families with similar challenges is reassuring and educational.

Whatever the circumstances of his birth, know this: his experience is important and his healing is important. Trauma does not define its trip as a father, and with proper support, recovery is possible.