Healing from Birth Trauma: A Comprehensive Guide to Recovery and Empowerment

Healing from Birth Trauma: A Comprehensive Guide to Recovery and Empowerment

Understanding PTSD, Exploring Holistic Therapies, and Reclaiming Your Journey.

As a midwife with many years of experience, I have had the privilege of being part of countless beautiful birthing experiences. However, not every birth goes according to plan or matches our expectations, and I have also witnessed numerous traumatic events. Birth trauma is a significant yet often overlooked experience that can deeply affect individuals both physically and emotionally. It encompasses not only the physical injuries that may occur during childbirth but also the emotional and psychological impact of a difficult or traumatic birth.

In Australia, 1 in 3 mothers experience the birth of their baby as traumatic. This trauma can arise from what happens during labour and childbirth or from how a woman feels about her birthing experience. Each woman may experience birth trauma differently, and for some, this may develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In this article, we will explore the nature of birth trauma, how it can lead to PTSD, the importance of recognizing the signs, and various healing approaches to support recovery and empowerment.

Understanding Birth Trauma:

Birth trauma refers to the physical, emotional, or psychological wounds that may occur during or after childbirth. Physical trauma can include injuries such as perineal tears, pelvic floor muscle damage, pelvic organ prolapse (POP), pelvic fractures (including the pubic bone, coccyx, and sacrum), or caesarean wounds. However, trauma can also manifest emotionally or psychologically, often triggered by medical interventions, unexpected complications, or a profound sense of loss of control during labour. Separation from the baby can further contribute to this distress.

In some cases, individuals may experience severe emotional distress following a traumatic birth, even in the absence of physical injury. These psychological effects can persist long after the birth or may manifest sometime later. Emotional trauma can lead to a variety of mental health issues, including insomnia, postnatal depression and anxiety (PNDA), post-traumatic stress symptoms, postpartum PTSD, or even obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD may present as persistent, intrusive thoughts that influence behaviour, such as constantly checking on the baby or recurring thoughts that interfere with the enjoyment of daily life. Difficulties bonding with the baby are also common, often leading to feelings of guilt and a belief that one is a bad parent.

The effects of birth trauma extend beyond the birthing individual. Partners and support people can also be deeply impacted by witnessing a traumatic birth. Watching a loved one and their baby in distress can evoke feelings of helplessness, powerlessness, and uncertainty about how to provide support.

Babies, too, are often affected by traumatic births. Medical interventions or distressing events can leave physical marks or injuries on the baby. However, as seen in Matrix Birth Reimprinting sessions, babies can also experience trauma on an emotional level. They absorb and reflect their mother's emotions while simultaneously going through their own experience, adding to their distress. We will explore this topic in greater detail later.

Birth trauma can arise from various factors, often linked to the nature of labour and delivery. Difficult births or injuries to the baby may occur due to the baby's size or position during labour. Conditions that may contribute to a challenging birth include large babies, premature births before 37 weeks (as premature babies are more fragile and prone to injury), or an inadequate size and shape of the mother's pelvis for a vaginal delivery. Other contributing factors include prolonged labour or abnormal birthing presentations, such as breech (buttocks first) deliveries. These circumstances can lead to prolonged, difficult deliveries that require emergency medical interventions, such as assisted births with forceps or emergency C-sections.

In addition to physical factors, emotional elements also play a significant role in birth trauma. Feeling powerless, unsupported, or unheard by healthcare providers—particularly when there is a lack of control, support, or communication during labour—can deeply affect the emotional experience of childbirth.

Certain factors may increase the likelihood of experiencing birth trauma, such as:

• Previous traumatic experiences including pre-existing physical birth injuries or not receiving enough pain relief in a previous labour
• Unplanned interventions or emergency situations
• Social factors, including the level of support you receive from your partner, family and/or healthcare providers during labour.
• Previous perinatal loss including stillbirth, miscarriage and death of a young baby - also known as neonatal death. It’s common for parents with a history of perinatal loss to experience increased anxiety about subsequent pregnancies and birth experiences too.
• Difficult pregnancy
• Previous sexual abuse – some aspects of labour or giving birth may be traumatic for survivors.
• Mental health concerns such as anxious tendencies prior to the pregnancy and birth.
• Previous sexual or other abuse

Birth Trauma and PTSD:

As mentioned earlier, a traumatic birth experience can trigger Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that occurs when the brain remains in a heightened state of alertness, unable to fully process the trauma and repeatedly replaying the event. PTSD involves persistent and distressing memories, flashbacks triggered by reminders of the birth (e.g., newborn babies, hospitals, doctors, face masks), and heightened anxiety, panic, and sleep disturbances. Studies on birth trauma in both mothers and their babies sadly suggests that approximately one in 25 of women will develop PTSD, 1 in 4 women experience some PTSD symptoms after birth and 1 in 16 meet all the criteria for having PTSD, 1 in 3 women view some aspect of their birth experience as traumatic.

Here are some PTSD Symptoms during the Postpartum Period:

1. Re-experiencing the traumatic event:

• Intrusive and fearful memories of labour, birth and the immediate period following birth. Flashbacks to the birth experience or feeling as though you are relieving a ‘play by play’ of the birth.
  - Nightmares.
  - Feeling distressed, panicked, or anxious around things that remind you of your birth
  2. Avoidance behaviours, avoiding people, places, or situations that trigger memories of the trauma.
  3. Negative thoughts and feelings, persistent feelings of fear, anger, shame, guilt, or hopelessness.
  4. Feeling a heightened sense of threat, feeling constantly on edge, hypervigilant, or easily startled.

To be diagnosed with PTSD during the postpartum period, you would be required to experience symptoms from all four categories for more than one month.

Physical sensations such as pain, sweating, nausea or trembling, muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances and digestive issues are also common indication of birth trauma and PTSD. This could be because when we feel stressed emotionally, our bodies release hormones called cortisol and adrenaline. This is the body's automatic way of preparing to respond to a threat, sometimes called the 'fight, flight or freeze' response.

It's important to acknowledge that feeling overwhelmed by a birth experience is normal. Even I, despite having a 'normal' birth experience and being a midwife who knew what to expect, found myself unable to stop thinking about what had happened. Birth is an emotional journey marked by significant hormonal changes, shifts in routines, and adjustments to family dynamics.

Birth trauma can strain relationships, leading to emotional disconnection from partners or difficulty bonding with the baby. Responding to a newborn’s needs with love, warmth, and care can feel challenging when there’s a sense of detachment. This emotional disconnection may create feelings of isolation, frustration, and guilt. The sense that you’re not connecting with your baby can trigger a range of emotions—anxiety about getting it wrong, guilt about not being a good enough mother, and a belief that you should be feeling a certain way.

These feelings can also lead to isolation, as you may worry that you're the only one experiencing this and believe something must be wrong with you. This disconnection can leave you feeling sad, which in turn amplifies the guilt and frustration. What is often labelled as ‘depression’ may actually be the hopelessness of feeling stuck in this cycle. While postpartum challenges like the baby blues or even postpartum depression are common, PTSD is much more complex. It’s crucial to distinguish between these experiences to ensure the right treatment is provided.

The Long-term Effects of Untreated Birth Trauma:

As we can see, birth trauma is a significant event that affects physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. If left untreated, it can lead to long-term mental health issues such as chronic anxiety, depression, and ongoing PTSD. The physical effects of unresolved trauma may manifest as chronic pain, digestive problems, or other stress-related illnesses. A previous traumatic birth can also impact future pregnancies, heightening fear and anxiety about giving birth again. The emotional aftermath of birth trauma can ripple through family dynamics, straining relationships and affecting overall family well-being. This makes it crucial to recognize, acknowledge, and be open to seeking help.

Early recognition and intervention are essential in addressing birth trauma before it becomes deeply entrenched. It’s important not to judge yourself—seek practical support, accept emotional support, and acknowledge any complex feelings you may have toward your baby. Talking to someone about your traumatic birth experience can bring a sense of relief. Seeking help as soon as symptoms arise can prevent long-term emotional and physical consequences.

Available help:

In Australia, we have a well-established support system for those affected by birth trauma. Your doctor and midwife are often the first to offer compassionate care and emotional support. They can also provide referrals to other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists, paediatricians, social workers, pelvic floor specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and mental health nurses, among others. Australian women are routinely screened for postnatal depression and, more recently, anxiety.

Your family doctor or GP is often the first point of contact for women seeking help, whether it’s during the six-week postnatal checkup or at any other time. Once a GP recognizes the seriousness of a mother’s birth trauma and identifies symptoms of PTSD, they can work closely with the patient to coordinate care across allied health professionals, effectively changing the trajectory for both mother and baby. GPs can create a mental health plan, prescribe medication if necessary, and provide continuous care. In more severe cases, a psychiatrist may be essential to manage the trauma, especially if medication is needed.

Additionally, there are numerous support groups and professional associations in Australia that offer trusted services for those affected by birth-related trauma or who simply need support in navigating the emotional challenges of parenthood. I have listed some of these resources and support groups below.

Beyond traditional medical care, there are many other healing approaches available. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps reframe negative thoughts and behaviours associated with trauma, while Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized therapy that aids in processing traumatic memories. Both methods, commonly used by psychologists or psychotherapists, have been proven effective in addressing birth trauma. For the best results, it’s crucial to find a professional who specializes in birth trauma or PTSD and can provide a safe, compassionate space for healing. Personal recommendations, online wellbeing directories like Bodhi, and reputable associations are great places to begin your search.

For many years as a midwife, I provided what we might call traditional support for families, mothers, and their babies. However, when my own struggles with anxiety became overwhelming and I found that conventional approaches weren't helping as much as I had hoped, I began exploring alternative ways to support my mental health.

This journey led me to discover energy psychology modalities such as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), its advanced form Matrix Reimprinting (MR), and Reiki. After just one session, I experienced a significant shift in my thought process and gained a tool that I could use whenever anxiety-triggering thoughts surfaced. I knew then that I needed to study and learn these modalities to offer the same support to others affected by traumatic events, including birth trauma.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), often referred to as "tapping". is a powerful tool for healing emotional distress and trauma, that combines elements of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), exposure therapy and somatic stimulation using acupressure points. It works by gently tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on the traumatic event or negative beliefs. EFT has proven particularly effective for individuals suffering from birth trauma and PTSD, helping to release the intense emotions and stress that become trapped in the body and mind after a traumatic experience.

One of the most significant benefits of EFT is that it allows for both immediate relief and long-term healing. EFT helps reduce the intensity of distressing memories, enabling individuals to process the trauma in a safe, manageable way. By working through these emotions, EFT helps alleviate symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, anxiety, panic, and insomnia, which are often linked to unresolved birth trauma.

For mothers dealing with birth trauma, EFT can be especially helpful in addressing negative beliefs that may arise because of their experience, such as feelings of inadequacy or the belief that they are a "bad mother." The stress of hearing a baby cry can also feel overwhelming, triggering feelings of helplessness, guilt, or frustration. Through EFT, mothers can gently release these emotions and reframe their internal dialogue, helping them regain confidence and self-compassion.

What makes EFT particularly empowering is that it is a technique that can be easily learned and used independently. Once taught, individuals can use tapping whenever they feel anxious, upset, or overwhelmed—whether it's in response to sleepless nights, distress over their birth experience, or the belief that they're not doing enough as a parent. It’s a portable tool, meaning it can be done anywhere, anytime, offering immediate comfort when emotions feel too intense to handle.

Furthermore, EFT can help rewire the brain’s response to triggers, meaning that with consistent practice, individuals are less likely to experience the same level of emotional distress in the future. This not only provides relief but also builds resilience, empowering those who have experienced birth trauma to navigate the challenges of motherhood with greater ease and confidence.

Tapping is a valuable tool for releasing fears and anxiety related to pregnancy and childbirth, and it can even be used during labour to address pain or negative emotions. Naomi Woolfson, a fertility, pregnancy, and birth expert, shares her personal journey of using EFT to manage her fears around getting and staying pregnant, as well as to ease her anxieties about childbirth. She combines EFT with hypnobirthing techniques to release these fears. In her video, Naomi demonstrates how EFT can be used during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. It's recommended to seek guidance from an EFT practitioner before using tapping on your own.

Matrix Reimprinting and Matrix Birth Reimprinting:

While EFT works on calming the body's stress response by tapping on meridian points, Matrix Reimprinting takes the healing process further by working directly with past memories and the subconscious mind. This advanced EFT technique allows individuals to revisit traumatic events from a place of safety, without retraumatising and transform their emotional responses to those memories. Instead of merely releasing the emotions, Matrix Reimprinting helps to reframe the experience, creating new, positive beliefs and perceptions. This profound shift can lead to deeper healing, especially for those struggling with birth trauma and PTSD.

Matrix Reimprinting not only addresses the immediate emotional impact but also helps break down negative patterns and beliefs that may have formed due to the trauma. It is particularly effective for long-standing or deeply rooted issues, offering a way to create lasting change by "reimprinting" more empowering memories into the subconscious.

Matrix Birth Reimprinting, developed by Sharon King, is a specialized extension of Matrix Reimprinting that focuses on healing trauma associated with conception, pregnancy, birth, and early childhood. This technique acknowledges that the experiences of both the mother and baby during these early stages can leave lasting emotional imprints, shaping one’s beliefs and behaviours. By revisiting and healing the birth process itself, Matrix Birth Reimprinting helps release any negative emotional charge associated with birth, fostering a healthier relationship with oneself, the birth experience, and future pregnancies.

This method provides a gentle yet powerful way for individuals to heal the emotional wounds of their own birth or their experiences as parents. It's a particularly helpful approach for those who have experienced birth trauma, allowing for a more peaceful, empowered connection to the birth experience and beyond.

Releasing Trauma for the Baby with Matrix Birth Reimprinting:

Matrix Birth Reimprinting recognizes that babies can experience trauma during conception, pregnancy, and birth, often absorbing the emotional and physical stress of the mother. In her book ‘Heal your birth, Heal your life’ Sharon King talks about consciousness of the baby and how separation at birth, use of drugs and the method of delivery can contribute to traumatic experience for the baby. Even though babies may not consciously remember these events, they can carry emotional imprints from the birth process, which can influence their sense of safety, connection, and well-being as they grow. Some common emotions that I observe during the sessions are fear, shock, felling out of control, helplessness, powerlessness, sense of intrusion or violence and can create negative believes such as world is a dangerous place, I shouldn’t be here, I’m unlovable, create resentment to being touch, cuddled or held. We also observe certain ‘traits’ that kids may present depending on the way they were born. For example, babies whose birth was induced or augmented might be struggling to be ready on time, as they were rusher to come to this world.

Using Matrix Birth Reimprinting, we can access the baby’s experience during these early stages and gently release any negative emotional charge. By revisiting the birth from a safe, healing space, the technique allows for the transformation of stressful or traumatic memories into positive, nurturing experiences. This shift helps the baby release feelings of fear, anxiety, distress and negative beliefs that may have been imprinted during birth.

In addition to healing the emotional imprints, Matrix Birth Reimprinting fosters a deeper sense of connection and bonding between mother and child. The process can create a more peaceful and supportive birth memory for the baby, positively affecting their emotional development and helping them grow with a stronger sense of security and trust in their environment.

Reiki:

Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive energy healing technique that helps release stress and promotes relaxation and balance. For individuals who have experienced birth trauma or are struggling with PTSD, Reiki offers a soothing approach to healing that doesn’t require verbalizing traumatic experiences. This makes it an excellent option for those who may feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable discussing their trauma.

Birth trauma and PTSD can lead to anxiety, fear, and disconnection, both emotionally and physically. Reiki helps calm the nervous system, reducing stress and fostering a sense of inner peace. By working with the body’s energy field, Reiki encourages the release of stored emotional trauma, allowing the body and mind to heal in a gentle, non-verbal way. This can help alleviate symptoms such as tension, sleep disturbances, and hypervigilance, common in PTSD sufferers.

Reiki is also a valuable tool for those preparing for childbirth, especially after a previous traumatic birth experience. It helps clear emotional blockages and encourages positive energy flow, helping to reduce anxiety and fear around giving birth again. Regular Reiki sessions can promote a calm mindset, creating a sense of safety and empowerment as individuals approach their birthing experience with renewed confidence.

Reiki offers a safe, supportive space for healing—whether it's about easing the emotional toll of past trauma or preparing the body and mind for a peaceful and empowered childbirth and can be used alongside EFT, Matrix Reimprinting, or traditional therapy to enhance the overall healing process.

Healing from birth trauma requires a combination of professional support and self-care. Here are some effective self-help strategies:

• Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): Tapping on specific acupressure points while focusing on traumatic memories can reduce emotional intensity. This easy-to-learn tool helps manage anxiety, guilt, and feelings of inadequacy in stressful moments.
• Breathwork: Deep, intentional breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing or alternate nostril breathing, help calm the nervous system, release tension, and bring the body out of fight-or-flight mode.
• Mindfulness & Relaxation: Practicing mindfulness meditation, yoga, or simply focusing on the present moment can ease anxiety, helping you reconnect with your body and emotions.
• Journaling: Writing about your birth experience can offer emotional release, aid in processing feelings, and help identify triggers.
• Support Networks: Connecting with support groups or friends who’ve had similar experiences can reduce isolation and provide comfort. Sharing your story in a safe space helps normalize your feelings.
• Boundaries & Rest: Setting healthy boundaries, saying no to activities that drain you, and prioritizing rest are essential for recovery.

These strategies empower you to take control of your healing journey, fostering emotional balance and long-term resilience:

Prevention of Birth Trauma:

The first step in preventing and healing from birth-related trauma is to talk about it. Opening up about your experience helps you realize that you’re not alone, and it connects you with others who have gone through similar challenges. This shared understanding can be incredibly supportive.

Educating yourself and preparing for childbirth can significantly reduce the likelihood of trauma. Listening to relevant podcasts, reading articles or books, and attending antenatal, hypnobirthing, or calm birthing classes can be empowering. These resources not only equip you with knowledge but also involve your birthing partner, teaching them how to support you effectively and be your advocate during labour. Understanding the birth process and potential interventions allows you to create a birth plan or set birth preferences, which can help you feel more in control.

It’s essential to build a supportive birth team. Share your preferences and choices, especially regarding pain relief and communication, with your medical professionals. Make sure they understand your desire to be informed about your progress and any concerns that arise. Consider involving a doula—a trained professional who supports parents during labour—to provide additional emotional and physical support.

Creating the right atmosphere in your birthing room can also contribute to a more positive experience. Bring elements that make you feel safe and calm, such as your favourite or relaxing music, essential oils for aromatherapy, or a comforting item from home like a pillow or blanket. These small touches can make a big difference in how you feel during labour.

Healing from birth trauma often requires a multifaceted approach that combines traditional medical treatments with complementary therapies and self-help tools. This holistic method ensures that every aspect of a person’s well-being—physical, emotional, and psychological—is addressed, offering a more comprehensive path to recovery. This integrated approach is not only beneficial for the person who gave birth but also for traumatised partners and family members.

No two experiences of birth trauma are the same, which is why a personalised treatment plan is essential. A tailored approach considers the unique needs, preferences, and circumstances of the individual, ensuring that the chosen therapies resonate with them. This might involve combining traditional therapy with EFT, Matrix Reimprinting, and Reiki, or focusing on self-help tools alongside professional support. It’s important to regularly review and adjust the treatment plan as needed, ensuring it remains effective over time.

Recovery from birth trauma is a journey that requires ongoing care. Long-term strategies may include continued therapy, regular Reiki sessions, or a consistent practice of EFT and mindfulness. Building a supportive network, whether through support groups, family, or friends, is also crucial for sustained healing. This ongoing support is equally important for partners and family members, who may need their own space and tools to heal.

By integrating various healing modalities into a personalised treatment plan, individuals and their families can move beyond birth trauma, finding resilience, empowerment, and long-lasting peace. This process is not only about healing but also about finding strength, community, and a renewed sense of self.

One of the most profound aspects of healing from birth trauma is the reclamation of personal power. Trauma often involves a sense of helplessness or loss of control, but through the healing process, individuals can rediscover their inner strength. This begins with acknowledging the trauma and understanding that it does not define who they are.

Taking active steps in the healing journey—whether through therapy, practices like EFT, or other supportive modalities—empowers survivors to take control of their recovery. This can include setting boundaries, making informed choices about their care, and advocating for themselves in medical settings. Each of these actions reinforces a sense of agency, helping to restore confidence and self-trust.

Resilience is the ability to adapt and recover in the face of adversity. For birth trauma survivors, building resilience is key to moving forward. This involves developing coping skills that not only address the trauma but also provide ongoing support in daily life.

Coping skills can include:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices help individuals stay grounded in the present moment, reducing anxiety and promoting emotional regulation.
• Breathwork: Controlled breathing techniques can calm the nervous system, helping to manage stress and anxiety when they arise.
• Journaling: Writing about experiences and emotions can provide clarity, offer a release, and foster self-reflection.
• EFT Tapping: Regular use of EFT can help manage overwhelming emotions and reinforce positive beliefs about oneself.
• By integrating these skills into their routine, survivors can build a toolkit that helps them navigate challenges and maintain emotional balance.

Community support is a crucial element in the healing process. Connecting with others who have experienced similar challenges can provide validation, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer new perspectives on healing. Support groups, whether in-person or online, create a safe space where survivors can share their stories, exchange coping strategies, and receive encouragement. Joining a community also helps survivors see that they are not alone in their experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and shared understanding. This collective support can be a powerful motivator in the healing journey.

Healing from birth trauma is a journey of reclaiming power, building resilience, and connecting with others. It’s about recognizing that, while the trauma is a part of your story, it doesn’t have to be the whole story. By embracing a multifaceted approach that includes personal empowerment, resilience-building, and community support, survivors can move forward with strength, confidence, and a renewed sense of agency.

Healing from birth trauma is a deeply personal journey, one that requires compassion, support, patience and a holistic approach. It is a process of reclaiming personal power, building resilience, and finding the strength to move forward despite the challenges faced. By integrating traditional therapies with energy-based modalities like EFT, Matrix Reimprinting, and Reiki, survivors can address the emotional, psychological, and physical aspects of their trauma in a comprehensive way. Reach out for professional help, explore healing modalities like EFT, Matrix Reimprinting, and Reiki, and take the first step toward reclaiming your power and finding peace.

If you or someone you love is struggling with the effects of birth trauma, know that help is available, and healing is possible. I invite you to book a session or consultation with me through Bodhi, where you will receive compassionate, personalized support tailored to your unique needs.

As a midwife, EFT practitioner, Matrix Reimprinting practitioner, and Reiki master, I bring a wealth of experience and a holistic approach to healing. My practice combines traditional knowledge with innovative energy psychology techniques, offering a safe space for you to explore and release the emotional, physical, and psychological wounds of birth trauma.

Whether you are a mother, a partner, or a family member affected by a traumatic birth, mygoal is to empower you with the tools and support you need to reclaim your personal power, rebuild resilience, and embrace the joy and fulfillment that come with healing. Let’s work together to create a path forward that honours your experience and fosters lasting well-being.

Book your session here with me today, and take the first step toward a brighter, more empowered future.

Resources and support:

• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – call 1800 882 436
• Australian Birth Trauma Association 
• Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)
• Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA)
• Beyond Blue