Birth and Medical Trauma Therapy

Having worked as a midwife for many years, I have extensive experience supporting the needs of expectant and new parents during the perinatal period.

 

What is Birth and
Medical Trauma
Therapy?

For individuals of all genders who have experienced the birth of their child as traumatic, I would initially offer the opportunity to talk through the experience and identify the areas and themes that have been particularly difficult or upsetting for you, known as “hotspots”.  If indicated I would assess you for PTSD, postnatal depression and other anxiety problems.  Following assessment, I may offer treatment using trauma focused CBT, EMDR, or a combination of these. Having worked as a midwife for many years I have a great deal of experience in understanding the needs of women during labour and delivery, both in hospital and at home. This experience has been invaluable whilst working in the area of PTSD following childbirth, as I have knowledge and understanding of problems that happen during this process, insight into why some women’s labours require medical interventions, and many of the other factors that contribute to the subsequent development of PTSD following childbirth.

For individuals who have been through other medical traumas, I offer a safe and supportive space to talk through what happened at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Together, we can explore how these experiences may be affecting your life today and check for any signs of trauma-related stress. After this assessment, I’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that supports healing, resilience, and a sense of safety moving forward.

 

Common risk factors for Birth Trauma

Certain factors can make some women more at risk of developing PTSD, these include:​

  • Having anxiety before the birth
  • A previous traumatic experience or experiences
  • Being fearful of childbirth even before it happened
  • Having labour started off (induced)
  • A very long or very short labour
  • Not receiving adequate pain relief
  • Not feeling in control
  • Not feeling listened to or respected
  • Not feeling informed
  • Emergency delivery
  • Problems happening after the birth

 

Common risk factors for Medical Trauma

Certain factors can make some people more at risk of developing PTSD, these include:

  • Feeling that your life was in danger
  • Experiencing a medical emergency suddenly
  • Intense pain or invasive procedures
  • Long or complicated hospital stays
  • Moments of confusion or disorientation
  • Not receiving clear information or reassurance
  • Feeling alone or let down by medical providers
  • Having lived through previous traumas
  • A history of anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges
  • Feeling helpless, ashamed, or disconnected
  • Ongoing physical symptoms or recovery challenges
  • Going through other major life stressors

 

Does this resonate with you?

 

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