what I can help with - Perinatal trauma

Unfortunately, perinatal trauma seems to be more common than ever. Over the years I have worked with numerous parents who have experienced a traumatic birth, some of whom may have the symptoms of PTSD. 

Common themes are; a fear that either themselves or their baby may die; feeling out of control and not listened to by medical professionals; feeling like a failure as the birth did not go the way they had hoped; and feelings of grief around the birth they missed out on. 

I have also worked with parents for whom the trauma happened as part of an experience in pregnancy, or shortly after having had their baby, rather than during the birth itself. This includes those who have, or may still be experiencing, the trauma of having a child in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Perinatal trauma can be experienced by partners too.

Having experienced a traumatic birth myself, I know how difficult it can be. For most people birth is a huge transition, and you hope it will be a happy and joyous time. When it does not go how you hoped, it can feel like you are starting your role as a parent having experienced a loss, or perhaps with a view you have let your baby down. 

Symptoms of perinatal trauma and PTSD can include flashbacks and nightmares related to your experience, avoidance of medical settings and medical professionals, worry and anxiety that something bad may happen to you or your baby, feelings of failure, and anger and resentment about your experience. 

Unfortunately, the trauma itself, alongside the associated symptoms, can result in you not having the postnatal experience you wanted either, which can lead to further difficult feelings of loss and failure. That’s why it is so important to seek support. Although it may not feel like it currently, you can move past this difficult experience. 

GLB Psychology utilises three evidence-based practices for perinatal trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy – all of which help you process your difficult birth so you can move forward without it impacting you or your parenting.