In the Event of a Traumatic Birth
I always suggest my clients have a birth plan in place and that they advise whoever will be with them during the time of labor and delivery whether it be a doula, partner, family member or friend, to help enforce it if the birthing person gets to a point where she cannot advocate for herself. This is my advice because a lot of emotional trauma comes from the birthing person feeling a lack of control. Some other common causes for emotional trauma are a long, difficult and painful delivery, an unplanned c-section, unexpected treatment for the baby and/or birthing person as well as any other expected scenario that may arise.
Some symptoms that may occur from a traumatic birth are intense emotions, flashbacks and nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance, difficulty sleeping, irritability, low self-esteem, distrust, trouble bonding and fear of intimacy. These symptoms are also part of Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder, which is a memory disorder that can develop after a traumatic birth or delivery, having a significant impact on mother and child.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and they are affecting your day-to-day life, reach out to your provider and they can refer you to a therapist.
Some other local and online resources for help are:
National Suicide Hotline
Text HOME to 741741
Call 1-800-273-8255
Postpartum Support International
1-800-944-4773 (warmline #, call if not quite sure who to connect client to)