Recovering from a difficult birth can be a significant challenge for parents who may feel distressed, upset, or traumatized by their childbirth experience. This distress can stem from complications such as assisted births or perineal tears, or from emotional factors like feeling a lack of control or respect during labor.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Persistent feelings of guilt or inadequacy that negatively impact self-esteem and mental health.
- Difficulties in bonding with the baby, particularly if the birth experience was traumatic, which can delay emotional attachment.
- Relationship strains, which can escalate to more severe issues such as anxiety or postnatal depression, affecting family dynamics.
Predictors
- Experiencing PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety triggered by reminders of the birth.
- Emotional numbness, where individuals may actively avoid thinking about the birth or engaging with anything that reminds them of the trauma.
How Can We Help?
We provide comprehensive support aimed at both emotional healing and practical coping strategies for parents recovering from a difficult birth.