Talking about birth trauma isn’t always easy. For many parents, the topic feels hidden under layers of stigma, silence, or misunderstanding. On top of this, there are plenty of myths that can make people doubt their own experience or stop them from reaching out for help.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common myths about birth trauma and shine a light on the truth behind them. If you’ve ever questioned whether your feelings are valid, I hope this reassures you: they are.
Myth 1: Only the Mother Can Experience Birth Trauma
The truth: Birth trauma doesn’t just affect the person giving birth. Partners, family members, and even medical staff who witness a traumatic delivery can also be impacted. They may experience flashbacks, anxiety, or feelings of helplessness. Therapy can support anyone who has been touched by the experience.
Myth 2: Trauma Only Happens After a “Difficult” Birth
The truth: Trauma is about how an event is experienced, not just what happens medically. Even when a birth goes smoothly from a clinical perspective, a parent can feel traumatised if they felt ignored, unsupported, or powerless during labour. Emotional safety is just as important as physical safety.
Myth 3: You Should Just Be Grateful for a Healthy Baby
The truth: Gratitude and trauma can exist side by side. Of course parents are glad their baby is well, but that doesn’t erase the emotional wounds left by the birth. Dismissing trauma with “at least your baby is healthy” can silence people who desperately need to talk. Both the baby’s health and the parent’s wellbeing matter.
Myth 4: Birth Trauma Fades With Time
The truth: Time alone doesn’t always heal trauma. In fact, untreated trauma can sometimes worsen or resurface months or even years later. Many parents find that talking through their experiences with a trained counsellor helps them process the memories and begin to heal.
Myth 5: Talking About It Makes Things Worse
The truth: Avoidance may feel safer in the short term, but in the long run, bottling up trauma can make it more overwhelming. Sharing your experience in a safe, non-judgemental environment such as birth trauma therapy can actually reduce distress and help you feel lighter, not heavier.
Moving Beyond the Myths
Birth trauma is real, and it deserves to be acknowledged. Believing these myths can keep parents silent, isolated, and struggling. The truth is, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you’ve been carrying the weight of a traumatic birth, you don’t have to carry it alone. Therapy can help you make sense of what happened, reduce distress, and support your journey toward recovery.
If you’d like a safe space to share your story and explore how counselling could help, please feel welcome to get in touch.