Posted: 24th April 2018
Two more articles available:
How do I know if I have Birth Trauma
The Hidden cost of Birth Trauma
As many as 3 in 10 mums in the UK may feel they experience postnatal depression (or you may call it postpartum depression – this is the same thing).
It is important to understand that postnatal depression and birth trauma are two very distinct conditions and are treated differently. Many of the symptoms are different and how we recover is very different. The two conditions need to be identified and treated individually.
As the awareness of birth trauma is so low, even among birth professionals, often mothers with birth trauma PTS symptoms are misdiagnosed and treated for postnatal depression, with a prescription for medication which will not treat many of the PTS symptoms. Many clients have had this experience and know that this is not the answer, but can’t find anywhere else to turn.
It is also common for women report being told by health professionals, or friends and family to ‘get over it’ and ‘move on’ which only increases their sense of being dismissed and trivialised, which then leads to further isolation. Most clients who I work with report hearing this kind of language.
In my experience, working with, and clearing the trauma of a difficult birth can hugely benefit the client and move them into a space of wholeness and well-being without the need for other interventions.
There is also clear scientific evidence that experiencing trauma can lead to depression. Symptoms of anxiety, depression and dissociation (numbness/feeling distant from life) have been observed in groups such as war veterans and victims of assault and natural disasters. It is logical to consider that birth trauma may lead some clients to similar reactions.
Trauma is anything that overwhelms us and we have natural responses to survive. Sometimes those responses can go into overload, and there may be no clear reason. It is not a sign of weakness, however it is the time to ask for help.
It is important to note that the two conditions of postnatal depression and birth trauma PTS can be experienced side by side. If you are worried you may have postnatal depression it is important to get a as much help as possible and formal diagnosis. Your GP, midwife or health visitor will be able to help.
If you would like to contact me for a confidential 30 minute consultation Click HERE.
If you feel you need emergency help, it is important to take action. Please contact your doctor or NHS direct on 111 or speak to a loved one to do it for you.
