Birth Trauma – Naming the Invisible

Birth trauma occurs when experiences in pregnancy, labor, or delivery evoke fear, helplessness, or horror.

It can result from unexpected medical interventions, loss of control, separation from your baby, or lack of informed consent.

Refer to birthTraumaDefinitionGraphic for an overview of defining criteria.

• • Physical: pelvic pain, tension, fatigue, sleep disturbances.
• • Emotional: flashbacks, anxiety, guilt, anger, low mood.
• • Behavioral: avoidance of medical follow‑up, difficulty bonding with baby.

Unplanned interventions (emergency C‑section, forceps delivery).

Feeling unheard or disrespected by care providers.

Separation from newborn for medical care or NICU admission.

Choose a comfortable, private setting for reflection or discussion.

Set boundaries: use safe words, control pacing of conversations.

Refer to safeSpaceGuidelinesGraphic for guidelines on preparing your space.

Use body‑mapping to identify areas of tension or pain related to your birth experience.

Notice connections between physical sensations and emotional memories.

See bodyMappingWorksheetGraphic to download and complete your own map.

• • Grounding: 5‑4‑3‑2‑1 sensory technique when triggers arise.
• • Breathwork: deep belly breaths synchronized with gentle stretching.
• • Partner support: share safe words and offer reassuring touch.

Review what went according to plan and where expectations shifted.

Identify areas for self‑advocacy in future care decisions.

Flow from birthPlanRecoveryGraphic connects reflection to concrete recovery steps.

Seek trauma‑informed therapists, doulas, or physiotherapists specializing in maternal care.

Group therapy and peer support groups normalize experiences and foster connection.

Use professionalSupportFlowchart to identify and reach out to providers.

Reading others’ birth trauma stories can validate your feelings and offer hope.

Note common themes of resilience, self‑advocacy, and recovery rituals.

Refer to peerStoriesGraphic for curated excerpts and discussion prompts.

Write about moments of fear, moments of strength, and your vision for healing.

Use prompts like “What part of my birth story needs acknowledgement?”

Access journalingPromptsGraphic for a full set of guided prompts.

• • National helplines: maternal mental health lines, counseling services.
• • Trauma‑informed doula networks and postpartum support circles.
• • Refer to resourceDirectoryGraphic for contacts, websites, and apps.

• • Choose one coping strategy from copingStrategiesGraphic to practice today.
• • Complete your body‑mapping worksheet and share insights with a trusted ally.
• • Schedule a consultation with a trauma‑informed professional using professionalSupportFlowchart.
• • Join a peer support group via the link in peerStoriesGraphic and share your story.