Birth Related PTSD Treatment

What Is Birth Trauma PTSD?

Birth-related post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a frightening, stressful, or distressing event related to giving birth.

Birth-related PTSD can affect those who experience or witness traumatic events during or after childbirth.

Birth Trauma PTSD Symptoms

Emotional and Psychological Symptoms

Emotional and psychological symptoms of birth-related PTSD may include:

• Nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts about your birth experience.
• Feelings of sadness, guilt, or low self-esteem.
• Constantly feeling on alert.

Physical Symptoms of Birth Trauma PTSD

Physical symptoms of birth trauma PTSD may include one or more of the following:

• Intense distress (e.g., sweating, nausea, trembling, or pain).
• Anxiety (e.g., increased heart rate, sweating, dry mouth).
• Sleeping difficulties.
• Being overly alert.

Impact on Postpartum Mental Health

One in three women experience traumatic births, which increases their risk for postpartum depression (PPD) and PTSD. As a result, these women often struggle with depression, anxiety, stress, disconnection from their infants, and a lack of confidence in parental decision-making.

Causes of Birth-Related PTSD

Risk Factors for Developing Birth PTSD

There are several factors that may contribute to birth trauma and birth PTSD, including obstetric interventions and maternal, infant, or postpartum complications. Here are a few examples:

• Emergency C-section or instrumental vaginal delivery.
• Overwhelming pain or the denial of pain relief.
• Severe perineal lacerations or tears.
• Hemorrhage.
• Complications or unplanned medical procedures.
• Stillbirth or infant death.
• Premature birth.
• Fetal distress or harm to baby.

Common Triggers of Birth Trauma PTSD

Common triggers of birth trauma PTSD include:

• Severe pain during labor or delivery.
• Being separated from your baby after birth.
• Lack of support or respect during or after delivery.
• Feeling powerless or not in control during or after delivery.

Diagnosis of Birth-Related PTSD

Birth Trauma PTSD Diagnosis Criteria

A mental health professional at Beach House can diagnose birth-related PTSD if a person meets all criteria noted in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) book by the American Psychiatric Association.

According to the DSM-5, “Childbirth is considered traumatic if there is a perceived threat to the life of the mother and/or the infant and/or if severe physical injury occurs.”

How Is Birth PTSD Assessed?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed after a difficult birth experience, assessments like the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) or the City Birth Trauma Scale (BiTS) can help identify what you’re going through. This scale aligns with DSM-5 criteria and covers key birth PTSD symptoms.

Birth PTSD Treatment Options

Therapy for Birth-Related PTSD

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  Trauma-focused CBT for birth PTSD is a type of talk therapy that focuses on helping you identify and express your emotions and build effective and healthy coping strategies.
  
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  EMDR for birth PTSD helps women process and resolve traumatic memories by changing how it is stored in the brain. During EMDR, you are asked to focus your eyes on a rhythmic movement or sound while recalling a memory associated with the trauma.

Medications for PTSD After Childbirth

Your healthcare provider or mental health professional may prescribe one or more of the following medications along with birth-related PTSD treatment, depending on your unique symptoms:

• Antidepressants.
• Antianxiety medications.
• Sleep aids.

Note: It is generally considered safe for breastfeeding women to use certain PTSD medications, but the choice depends on the severity of symptoms and the medication’s safety profile. Consult your physician or OB-GYN with questions or concerns about specific medications.

Support Groups for Birth Trauma Recovery

• Hospitals or birthing centers.
• La Leche League International.
• Postpartum Support International.
• Solace for Mothers.
• Healing from Birth.

Coping Strategies and Support

Self-Care for Birth Trauma Survivors

Your healthcare provider or mental health professional may recommend one or more of the following self-care strategies to support your long-term healing and wellness:

• Write down your birth story to help process your emotions and prevent avoiding traumatic memories.
• Talk about our birth experience with trusted friends or loved ones to help understand what happened and lower your risk of reliving it.
• Engage in relaxing social activities or hobbies to reduce stress and manage emotions.
• Seek social, family, and professional support to help process the trauma.

Partner and Family Support in Recovery

Recovering from birth-related PTSD requires support from a licensed mental health professional and a strong support system. Having your partner, family, and friends by your side can make all the difference in your recovery. These trusted individuals can provide the emotional support and practical assistance you need so you can focus on healing.

Get Help for Birth-Related PTSD

Finding Professional Birth PTSD Treatment

If you or a loved one is struggling with birth trauma PTSD symptoms, we can help. Our center for recovery is one of Florida’s most respected mental health treatment centers. We specialize in treating a range of adult mental and behavioral health disorders.

Personalized Recovery Plans for Mothers

We offer expert, intensive intervention and personalized recovery plans for mothers seeking freedom from PTSD. Contact our admissions counselors to learn more about our birth PTSD recovery plans.