Cesarean Awareness Month: Empowering Women to Process Birth Trauma/PTSD
April is Cesarean Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact Cesarean births have on women. It’ is a time to reflect on the impact your cesarean birth had on you, and if you are planning on having another baby, knowing your birthing options. Cesarean awareness month is not only about promoting vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) it is also about supporting women through their previous experiences and educating them for the future.
In 2021, the c-section rate in the United States was about 32% according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Yet, the c-section rate recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) is 10-15%. At more than double the recommended rate, many U.S. c-sections (and their associated physical and emotional complications) are unnecessary. While c-sections are at times necessary life-saving procedures, the abnormally high c-section rate in a medically advanced country like the U.S. stands out. And sadly, not nearly enough attention is given to help those women who are left feeling traumatized and powerless by a c-section’s wake. If this happened to you, it is important to think about whether you’ve experienced a birth trauma or PTSD.
How do I know if I experienced a birth trauma?
An estimated 1 in 3 women find their birth traumatic, and a higher rate of women with c-sections find their birth traumatic. If you are wondering whether you had a traumatic birth here are a few things to consider.
You felt frightened while giving birth
You felt alone and unacknowledged when birthing
You felt powerless and out of control
You were left feeling like a failure, broken or that your body failed you
Your previous traumas are being brought up from this experience
These experiences can lead to feelings of loss, grief, and low self-esteem, and can impact the way you view yourself and process other traumas. Often times traumatic births will continuously run through your mind, leaving you feeling stuck in a negatively reinforcing loop that hinders your ability to process it in a healthy way.
If you are wondering whether you had a traumatic birth, it may be because you are not listening to yourself and your body. When a trauma occurs, it can impact your ability to trust yourself and others. Likely, if you are asking the question – you had a traumatic birth.
How do I know if I have PTSD from my birth?
1.5 to 6% of women are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childbirth according to ( Lamaze and VBAC) and women with c-sections experience PTSD at a higher rate. But just because your birth was traumatic, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have PTSD. Signs and symptoms to look out for to understand if you have PTSD:
Intrusive Thoughts: Intrusive memories, nightmares, vivid flashbacks, dissociation
Avoiding Situations: Avoiding distressing memories or thoughts, avoiding the hospital, doctor, or location where you gave birth
Negative Beliefs & Moods: Negative beliefs about yourself (I am broken, I am weak), intense self-blame, feeling detached, trouble feeling positive emotions
Increased Reactivity: Irritability and anger, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, trouble sleeping
How can I get help for my trauma/PTSD?
There are many amazing resources to support processing your birth trauma. Finding a strong community can be invaluable, International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) and Postpartum Support International (PSI) has local communities you can join, and they have many free resources to help support women. Additionally, there are many helpful books and podcasts where you can find healing and community.
Books:
How to Heal a Bad Birth By Melissa Bruijn & Debby Gould
Birth Shock: How to recover from birth trauma – why ‘at least you’ve got a healthy baby’ isn’t enough By: Mia Scotland
Birth After Caesarean: Your Journey to a Better Birth By: Hazel Keedle
Birthing Normally After Cesarean or Two By: Helene Vadeboncoeur
Podcasts:
After learning about birth trauma and PTSD, you may be curious about how to process your birth and feel empowered for future births. If you want to learn more about how an individual therapist can support you through this journey, book an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Rebecca Branda, Psy.D. today.