By Jessica Ekhoff, JD, PMH-C

Welcoming a baby into the world is often portrayed as a joyful and miraculous experience. However, for many people, childbirth can also be deeply distressing. When the experience of giving birth leaves someone feeling frightened, helpless, or violated, it may be what we call birth trauma.

At its core, birth trauma is about how a person feels about their birth experience—not just the events themselves. Trauma is in the eye of the beholder. Even a medically “routine” delivery can be traumatic if it felt overwhelming, dehumanizing, or out of control.

What Is Birth Trauma?

Birth trauma refers to psychological distress following childbirth. While physical complications can accompany it, the trauma is rooted in emotional and mental responses. It’s not limited to those who experienced life-threatening complications—trauma is highly personal and subjective.

Common experiences that may contribute to birth trauma include:

Feeling ignored by medical staff, dismissed, or powerless during labor
Unplanned interventions (e.g., emergency C-section, forceps delivery)
Lack of consent or clear communication from providers
Intense physical pain, panic, or fear during delivery
Infant complications, NICU stays, or separation from the baby
Previous trauma, such as sexual violence, triggered during birth
Feeling unsupported by partners or medical staff

Signs and Symptoms

People who experience birth trauma may have symptoms that mirror post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including:

Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the birth
Nightmares or difficulty sleeping
Feeling numb, detached, or emotionally overwhelmed
Avoidance of reminders of the birth (including hospitals or the baby)
Panic attacks or anxiety
Depression or a sense of failure as a parent

These symptoms may emerge days, weeks, or even months after childbirth.

Healing from Birth Trauma

Healing is not only possible—it’s your right. You deserve to feel whole, safe, and supported as you process what happened. Here are some steps that can support your healing journey:

1. Acknowledge What Happened

Give yourself permission to name your experience as traumatic. Just because others may say your birth was “normal” or “healthy” doesn’t invalidate your feelings. Trauma isn’t about the label—it’s about how you experienced the event.

2. Seek Professional Support

Working with a perinatal mental health therapist who understands birth trauma can be transformative. Therapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore your feelings, process painful memories, and rebuild a sense of safety and trust.

3. Process the Story

Sometimes telling your birth story in your own words—with someone who truly listens—can help reclaim your narrative. A therapist can guide you in reframing the story, reducing shame, and working through feelings of anger, grief, or confusion.

4. Connect with Others

You are not alone. Birth trauma is more common than many realize. Indeed, 45% of new mothers describe their birth experience as traumatic. Peer support groups, both in-person and online, can offer validation and connection with others who understand.

5. Practice Gentle Self-Care

Nurture your body and mind with practices that ground and soothe you. Mindfulness, yoga, journaling, and rest are all part of healing. Try to reduce stress and be kind to yourself—especially when parenting is demanding.

6. Advocate for Your Needs

If you're planning future pregnancies or medical care, it’s okay to ask for trauma-informed support. You have the right to be heard, respected, and included in all decisions about your body and your care.

Understanding Birth Trauma and How to Heal