The Role of Support Networks in Overcoming Birth Trauma
Did you know that having a strong support network can significantly enhance recovery from birth trauma? While many focus on physical recovery, emotional and mental well-being are just as crucial. Let’s explore how building a supportive village can transform your postpartum journey and help with the impact of birth trauma.
Introduction
Experiencing birth trauma can be overwhelming, leaving lasting impacts on both physical and emotional health. One of the most powerful tools in overcoming this trauma is having a robust support network. In this blog, we’ll delve into the importance of support systems, how to build one, and practical tips for leveraging your community during your postpartum period.
Understanding Birth Trauma
Birth trauma is a distressing event occurring during childbirth, which can result in significant emotional and psychological distress. Surveys reveal that 28% of women report experiencing birth trauma, with some studies suggesting this figure could be as high as 50%. After asking over 2,000 mothers in my own village, I realised the 50% was far more accurate, which is devastating. Physical trauma can include injuries like pelvic floor damage, while psychological trauma often manifests as PTSD or postnatal depression (PND).
Link to Postnatal Depression
There is a strong correlation between birth trauma and the onset of postnatal depression. The psychological impact of a traumatic birth can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression during the postpartum period. Addressing both the physical and emotional needs of new mothers is crucial to prevent long-term mental health issues.
The Subjective Nature of Birth Trauma
Birth trauma is highly subjective. What may seem like a positive birth from the outside (let’s be clear, a healthy mother and baby is not the antithesis of a trauma-free birth) can still leave deep emotional wounds. This dissonance, where the expected joy and reality don’t align, can lead to feelings of shame and isolation. Many women secretly struggle with the notion that their immediate emotional response to their baby wasn’t what society deems ‘correct,’ contributing to postnatal mental health issues. Some women feel traumatised by the way they were treated, spoken to, and ill-informed even if the birth as a whole is deemed positive.
The Impact on Fathers
Birth trauma doesn’t just affect mothers; it can also profoundly impact fathers and partners. Witnessing a traumatic birth can lead to significant emotional distress for fathers, which may affect their relationship with both their partner and child. Research indicates that up to 1 in 10 fathers experience postpartum depression or anxiety, often exacerbated by witnessing their partner’s traumatic birth experience. The stress and anxiety stemming from birth trauma can strain the couple’s relationship, leaving fathers feeling helpless, guilty, or overwhelmed. When many mothers rely on their partners for postpartum support, this information is crucial for couples to understand and share while preparing for birth.
The Overlooked Postpartum Period
Postpartum is often an afterthought in the birthing process. Yet, this period is crucial for both physical recovery and emotional processing of the birth experience. Failing to address the physical and emotional wounds of birth trauma can be a recipe for disaster, potentially evolving into postpartum depression and anxiety. From my own experience, I felt really positive about my birth; however, as time went on, I realised I did have some underlying feelings that I needed to process. Feelings and thoughts that if left unattended, could have manifested into anxiety.
Personal Story and Research
As a postpartum doula, I understand the critical role of support networks in recovery, both professional and personal. Every time I visit a new mum during her postpartum period (typically twice a week for six weeks), we talk about their birth. Each time we unpack the birth, something new comes to the surface. Sometimes it remains positive, but often, moments that seemed insignificant right after birth reveal themselves as moments of fear, discomfort, or other emotions that left an imprint. While these feelings may not always manifest beyond their acknowledgment, addressing them can help a mother process her experience. In my research, I surveyed over 2,100 mums about their experiences with birth trauma and its impact on their postpartum period. The findings were enlightening:
- 42% said they experienced birth trauma.
- 41% said that they didn’t think they had birth trauma but during their postpartum, their perception changed.
- 54% said that their birth trauma impacted their postpartum.
- 77% said they had a birth debrief with either friends, family, or professionals.
- 86% felt like they could talk about their birth experience and of that 86%, 51% felt listened to but 57% felt minimised or gaslighted when they discussed or shared their birth experience.
Themes from the Research
Preparedness and Awareness
- Preparation for Birth: 20% did not prepare for birth, correlating with experiences of trauma.
- Awareness of Postpartum Needs: 49% did not plan for postpartum, indicating a lack of awareness or resources to prepare effectively.
Emotional and Social Support
- Feelings of Being Heard: Only 51% felt listened to and comfortable discussing their birth in detail, highlighting potential social or cultural barriers to open communication. 57% experienced gaslighting from both professionals and personal contacts.
Reflection and Recovery
- Changing Perceptions: 41% of mothers who had initially positive perceptions of their birth felt differently postpartum.
- Importance of Debriefing: 29% had a professional debrief, but 23% were unaware of this option, suggesting a need for better information dissemination.
These results underscore the importance of addressing birth trauma comprehensively, emphasising both professional and community support.
Why Support Networks Matter
Emotional Validation and Comfort
- Having friends, family, or support groups who understand your experience can provide much-needed emotional validation.
- Sharing your story with others who have faced similar challenges can be incredibly comforting and can help normalise your feelings.
Practical Help
- Support networks can assist with daily tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for other children, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
- Practical help reduces the stress of managing household responsibilities while you heal physically and emotionally.
Professional Guidance
- Connecting with healthcare professionals, doulas, or therapists through your support network can provide professional insights and strategies for coping with birth trauma and even just processing your experience, trauma aside.
- Professional support ensures you have access to evidence-based treatments and therapies, enhancing your recovery process.
Tips for Gathering Your Village (Building Your Support Network):
Identify Key Supporters
- List people you trust and feel comfortable with, including family, friends, and healthcare providers.
- Connect with professionals during your pregnancy. You may not require their support postpartum, but it is important to be comfortable and connect with those who you are working with, especially when you are vulnerable postpartum.
Communicate Your Needs
- Clearly communicate your needs and how your supporters can help. Be specific about the kind of support you require, whether it’s emotional, practical, or professional. This can be really challenging for women as we are conditioned to take care of others and many of us are people pleasers. Planning your postpartum, holding a mother’s blessing, and using your Village for Mama recipe cards are really great tools to help you communicate with your village.
Set Boundaries
- Establish boundaries to protect your emotional well-being. It’s okay to decline help or take time for yourself if you feel overwhelmed.
- You can set boundaries by sending messages to your village during your pregnancy, you can speak with your partner about boundaries and how they can help protect them. It can be hard to navigate family members who overstep boundaries but having things like a ‘code word’ that can be used between you and your partner can be a really beneficial tool.
- Ensure your support network respects your boundaries and understands that recovery is a personal and gradual process. Use the Village for Mama door sign to help protect your space and uphold boundaries – kindly.
Engaging Your Village
One of the best ways your village can support you during the postpartum period is by organizing a meal train. Not only does a meal train provide you with essential nourishing food for proper recovery, but it also offers a structured way for your village to be involved without overstepping boundaries. Here’s why we are all about meal deliveries in postpartum:
- Nourishment and Recovery: Proper nutrition is crucial for postpartum recovery. Having friends and family bring home-cooked meals ensures you get the essential nutrients needed to heal and regain strength without the added stress of meal preparation.
- Maintaining Boundaries: A meal train allows your support network to help in a way that doesn’t feel intrusive. By scheduling meal deliveries, your village can contribute positively without overwhelming you, respecting your need for rest and privacy.
- Reducing Isolation: The postpartum period can be isolating, but regular check-ins through meal deliveries help you stay connected with loved ones. These visits provide a sense of community and emotional support, reminding you that you’re not alone.
- Structured Support: Organising a meal train creates a structured way for friends and family to show their support. It provides a tangible way for them to help, which can be especially useful when they may not know how to assist you otherwise.
Conclusion
Overcoming birth trauma is a journey that no one should face alone. Gathering and engaging a strong support network can provide the emotional, practical, and professional support needed for a holistic recovery. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and your village is here to support you every step of the way. They may just need some guidance and understanding.
Postpartum awareness and care are crucial pieces of the birth trauma puzzle. Adequate postpartum support not only aids in physical recovery but also addresses the emotional and psychological impacts of traumatic birth experiences. Ensuring that new mothers receive comprehensive postpartum care can significantly reduce the long-term effects of birth trauma, fostering better mental health and stronger family bonds. By prioritising postpartum care and building a robust support network, we can create a nurturing environment that promotes healing and well-being for both mothers and their families.