Traumatic birth experience

A birth experience is usually described as a ‘life – changing’ experience for the mother. However, at times, this also holds true because of the trauma involved during the birthing process. Though majority women give birth normally to healthy babies and experience great joy and happiness post child birth, there are several women who have a traumatic birth experience, which may not be very enjoyable and may have a huge impact on the recovery of the mother and the baby. This section focuses on addressing some of the mental, emotional and relationship challenges a mother can face after a traumatic birth experience and how to address them.

What is a Traumatic Birth Experience?

Traumatic birth experience can be defined in many ways, but typically it is a situation when the whole birthing process has been very difficult for the mother due to some physical or emotional complications that arose during pregnancy or childbirth or both. According to Baby Centre, United Kingdom, if you have suffered distress when you gave birth, it’s called traumatic. You may have had a complication, such as a severe tear, or needed to have an assisted birth. This may have left you with physical problems, such as an infection, sustained hemorrhoids or incontinence. While these can be distressing in themselves, the emotional aftereffects of a traumatic birth can last for some time, says babycentre.co.uk, a renowned website on pregnancy and childcare.

Mental and emotional health challenges

A traumatic birth experience can make you feel angry, sad and confused. However, hiding your feelings or ignoring them can aggravate the problem. Hence, it is important to consult your doctor for help. It is also essential to find sources of emotional and spiritual support that will help you in dealing with the situation. Here are some commonly faced mental and emotional health challenges after a traumatic birth experience.

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD)

Though emotional mood swings are common after child birth and are often referred to as baby blues, PMAD is a more serious condition. It includes emotional conditions that can develop during pregnancy and in the first year of giving birth, such as anxiety and panic disorder, obsessive – compulsive disorder, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder and post- traumatic stress disorder. PMAD can make you feel emotionally paralyzed and hopeless. It also leads to feelings of guilt and isolation. Some of the signs of PMAD are as follows: Postpartum anxiety and Panic Disorder: Usually prevalent amongst women who have a medical history of anxiety and panic disorder. Symptoms include breathlessness, lightheadedness, dizziness, chest pain, nausea and diarrhea. Feelings include an overwhelming fear of death, or loneliness or leaving your home. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Characterized by obsessive thoughts to protect the baby. Behaviours of OCD include constantly cleaning the house to keep the baby protected from germs, excessive hand washing, worrying if the doors are locked and being extremely possessive about the baby. Perinatal and Postpartum depression: Can typically occur in the first six months after birth and is much higher in women with a history of depression. Perinatal depression can also occur anytime during pregnancy but typically begins during the third trimester. Symptoms include feeling hopeless, despair, exhaustion, lack of energy, loss of interest, overeating or skipping meals, constant crying, anger outbursts and suicidal thoughts. Postpartum Post: Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – results from difficult or frightening birth or from traumatic situations, such as a sudden unexpected illness in the baby or insensitive care. Common symptoms include preoccupation with trauma, flashbacks of the painful event or recurring nightmares, anger and rage.

Treating PMAD

Usually mild PMAD can be treated with proper self-care and support from family. According to the PCN guide, a combination of self-care, peer group support, family and professional advice and medical interventions help, depending on the levels of intensity. Self- Care tips for PMAD include: • Exercise regularly • Eat a balanced diet rich in omega – 3 fatty acids and all other essential nutrients • Get enough exposure to sunlight • Avoid alcohol and caffeine intake • Take time out for yourself everyday – to just be with yourself, reflect, relax and unwind completely