3 Negative Impacts of Birth Trauma & 4 Ways to Heal
Trigger Warning: Discussion of birth trauma, grief, loss, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression
When you first see those two pink lines, sparks of excitement and joy radiate through your whole being. You may spend months planning your ideal birth experience, reading books and listening to podcasts, sending them to your partner so they know how to support you, and spending time researching all the best baby gadgets and necessities for you to feel confident entering into parenthood.
After 9 (sometimes 10) difficult months full of anticipation, you feel the most ready you ever will to bring your little one into your arms and suddenly something happens you didn’t expect.
Common causes of postpartum mood disorders (i.e. postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, etc.) can be directly linked to unanticipated birth and postpartum experiences, such as an unexpected NICU stay, medical complications for mom/baby during delivery, major, unmanaged shifts in hormones postpartum, or the death of your baby during/after delivery. When you don’t have a smooth birth experience or something happens outside of your control or intention, you may not recognize yourself postpartum. Feeling distant and disconnected from loved ones and other moms because you had such an intense or traumatic experience is to be expected when you’re navigating the unknown.
3 Negative Impacts of Birth Trauma:
Birth trauma leads to disconnection from self. When you encounter physical or emotional trauma within your body, you feel betrayed or like your body doesn’t belong to you. Often, trauma to the body and mind leaves you in survival mode; it is a normal response to have difficulty switching out of the “fight or flight” response.
Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety lead to disconnection from others. Whether you are feeling stuck inside your house because of intrusive thoughts related to baby’s health, or the “baby blues” seems to have lasted longer than you expected - these experiences would leave anyone feeling isolated and alone. The saying “it takes a village” is so true, but you aren’t sure how to ask for help or where to find your village.
Birth and postpartum difficulties often lead to postpartum anxiety/depression or broader category of postpartum mood disorders. Though you need to be formally assessed by your OB/PCP and/or a mental health professional, learning the signs of postpartum mood disorders can be immensely helpful and clue you into needing more immediate support.
Signs of Postpartum Anxiety:
Physical signs - Racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or tremors, muscle tension, headaches, digestive problems, or fatigue not explained by sleep or postpartum recovery. Trouble sleeping even when the baby is sleeping (difficulty falling asleep due to worry). Feeling physically on edge or restless.
Cognitive and emotional signs - Constant, intrusive worry about the baby’s health, safety, or development, even when reassurances are offered. Imagining worst-case scenarios; persistent feelings of dread, panic, or sense of impending doom; difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or feeling mentally “foggy”; irritability or disproportionate frustration.
Behavioral signs - Avoiding activities, people, or places out of fear for the baby’s safety; repeatedly checking baby-related things (breathing, temperature, position) or excessive researching/reassurance-seeking, difficulty bonding with the baby due to overwhelming worry or fear; overcontrolling routines around feeding, sleep, or cleanliness to manage anxiety.
Panic-related signs - Episodes of intense panic with sudden, overwhelming fear, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness. Feeling detached from reality or from yourself during panic episodes.
Hypervigilance and intrusive thoughts - Being constantly on high alert about potential threats to the baby or household. Intrusive, unwanted thoughts or images that are upsetting (these can include harm-related thoughts). Having these thoughts does not mean you will act on them—such thoughts are distressing but common.
The aforementioned signs and symptoms negatively impact your daily life in the following ways:
Difficulty caring for yourself or the baby because anxiety consumes time and energy
Avoiding social support, appointments, or leaving the house for fear something may happen
Strained relationships with partner, family, or friends due to worry or irritability
It can feel overwhelming to read through this list, especially if you are newly postpartum and have been experiencing some of these things. Pause. Take a slow, deep breath. Then another. Then another.
4 Ways to Begin Healing:
Start by doing some gentle movements that allow you to be present in your body and notice sensations. Check out a local yoga glass, follow a guided meditation or anything that allows you to focus on your breath for a few minutes at a time. An app I love for focused and guided breath is the Oak App, available for iPhones. If you have a droid, you can utilize the Calm app or Headspace.
Utilize resources from PSI. Postpartum Support International is an incredible online resource that connects you to other people all around the world who have had similar experiences. They have a variety of groups that you can join that meet regularly; they additionally offer support groups for partners of birthing people as well. There is a plethora of free resources on their website.
Schedule an appointment with a counselor trained to support postpartum moms work through postpartum challenges. Someone with training from Postpartum Support International (PSI) has more insights and understanding about how postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety negatively impact you than other professionals. In Colorado Springs and across the state of Colorado, I am trained to help you work through postpartum challenges that have led to disconnection from yourself and those around you; together we can help you find healing so you can move forward again.
Effective treatments include therapy (especially body-brain-based and evidence-based approaches), medication, when appropriate, peer support, and practical changes to reduce stress and increase rest.
You do not have to manage this alone - help is available to support healing and rediscover yourself.
Postpartum anxiety therapist Colorado | Postpartum counselor Colorado Springs | Trauma therapist Colorado Springs
