Birth trauma therapy
If the pregnancy, labour, or birth of your child has left you with overwhelming thoughts and emotions that are hard to manage, you are not alone. Many parents and birth partners struggle after a difficult or traumatic birth. Talking with a qualified counsellor who specialises in birth trauma therapy can help you process and make sense of your experience.
What is birth trauma?
Birth trauma (also known as perinatal trauma) is a term used to describe the psychological distress and negative feelings that can arise after a difficult or traumatic birth experience. This trauma can result from:
- Feeling frightened, powerless, or unheard during labour
- Emergency medical interventions or complications
- Discrimination before, during, or after the birth
- Sustaining physical injuries during childbirth
- Experiencing a lack of support from healthcare professionals
In 2014, NICE officially recognised that childbirth can be a potentially traumatising event. Birth trauma is not limited to the physical aspects of delivery; it can also affect emotional wellbeing long after the birth.
Who can experience birth trauma?
Birth trauma is often associated with the person giving birth, but its impact can reach further. Anyone who witnesses a traumatic birth – including birth partners, family members, and even healthcare staff – can also develop symptoms of trauma. This makes birth trauma therapy an important source of support not only for mothers and birthing people, but for partners and loved ones who may also be struggling.
The impacts of birth trauma
The effects of birth trauma can vary, but some common symptoms include:
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the birth
- Anxiety, panic attacks, or hypervigilance
- Low mood, depression, or emotional numbness
- Nightmares and disturbed sleep
- Avoidance of reminders of birth, such as TV shows, social media, or parenting groups
- Gaps in memory relating to the birth experience
- Difficulty bonding with the baby or feelings of guilt and shame
These symptoms can sometimes develop into postnatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Seeking therapy early can help prevent long-term emotional difficulties and improve overall wellbeing for you and your family.
How therapy could help you
Talking through your birth experience with a trained counsellor provides a safe and compassionate space where you can:
- Explore and make sense of your thoughts and feelings
- Process traumatic memories in a supportive environment
- Reduce anxiety, stress, and intrusive thoughts
- Improve emotional wellbeing and strengthen resilience
- Rebuild confidence in yourself and your body
- Enhance bonding and connection with your child
- Explore birth trauma myths that might be impacting you
Whether you gave birth yourself or witnessed a traumatic birth, birth trauma counselling can help you find healing and a renewed sense of balance.
I have completed the Birth Trauma Training Programme run by Make Birth Better, in addition to my core counselling training. This means I am specially equipped to support parents and partners who are living with the ongoing effects of traumatic birth experiences. And in 2025 I became a Make Birth Better Champion.
Taking the first step
If you are struggling with difficult feelings before, during, or after the birth of your child, support is available.
Would you like to talk to someone about your experiences? Get in touch today to arrange a confidential phone call with me and take the first step towards recovery and healing.