Postnatal Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Birth Trauma and the Consequences of Untreated Postnatal PTSD
My last blog post examined the differences and symptoms for postpartum depression and postnatal PTSD or birth trauma, and how to decide whether you are experiencing postpartum depression or PTSD. In today’s post I examine some causes of postnatal PTSD or birth trauma, specific problems associated with postnatal PTSD, and consequences of ignoring, misdiagnosing, and failure to treat birth trauma related PTSD.
Postnatal PTSD can have many origins but there are a few that occur most often. These may include but not be limited to: 1) type of delivery, whether vaginal, induced, or C-section; 2) fear for their own safety and that of their child; 3) lack of control of situation; 4) attitudes of and treatment by staff and medical personnel; 4) inadequate pain relief; 5) lack of support during and after birth; 6) loss of desired birth experience; and/or 7) prior traumatic event.
Postnatal PTSD may have special complications that factor in women seeking treatment and recovering from PTSD. Often women feel isolated, alone, and depressed, and fail to seek out help for various reasons. They may think that, or be told that, they have a healthy baby now and should be grateful or “get over” the traumatic experience. They may feel they are weaker than other women who are able to put their birth trauma behind them and move on.
Often medical professionals can be dismissive of the women’s concerns with comments like “you expected too much” or “you should feel lucky” which increases feelings of guilt and weakness. Women with postnatal PTSD often report feeling robbed or cheated and they grieve that loss. Acknowledging a negative birth experience is key. Failure to support women talking about their feelings exacerbates problems with recovery and bonding with their baby.
Some women may become fearful of sex and childbirth. They may associate sex with their childbirth experience and lose interest causing strains on their relationship with a significant other. Those who experience birth trauma may avoid medical procedures and health care.
Perhaps most importantly, postnatal PTSD can disrupt the bond between mother and child. Many women experience feelings of detachment or even indifference towards their babies after a traumatic birth, especially if the child’s life was in danger. They have a fear of attachment to a child they feared they may lose and may experience problems breastfeeding. They may be angry, and these feelings may cause problems bonding with their child.
Consequences of failure to diagnose postnatal PTSD and/or treat postnatal PTSD not only affects mothers but also their children and family unit. Untreated PTSD can lead to increased morbidity, subsequent psychiatric illness, as well as accidental and non-accidental death. Suicide is the leading cause of maternal morbidity. Untreated PTSD may also lead to depression, increased alcohol and drug abuse, sexual avoidance, fear of childbirth, requests for unnecessary C-section in subsequent pregnancies, over-vigilance and/or anxiety about the child’s health, avoidance of future medical care, problems with breast feeding and bonding with the child, marital and familial relationship breakdown, and negative impact on other family members including children’s physical and mental development.
Postnatal support after a birth trauma is crucial. Talk to your physician and/or mental health provider if you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD or postpartum depression.
If you have suicidal thoughts or are in immediate risk
If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, get help right away through one or more of these resources:
- Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
- Contact a minister, a spiritual leader, or someone in your faith community.
- Call a suicide hotline number — in the United States, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor.
- Make an appointment with your doctor or a mental health professional.
- Call 911
Danielle Older, MSW, LISW-S, CCTP
Danielle is one of our maternal mental health therapists and the founder of River Root Counseling. Her therapeutic style is individual, evidence-based, and unique to best serve each individual client. Danielle will work with you, at your pace, cheering you on and empowering you as you accomplish your therapeutic goals. Danielle values the therapeutic relationship and works to make each session beneficial and helpful for her clients. Danielle is a mother herself and understands the roller coaster that parenting, and motherhood, can sometimes feel like.
Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation (Ohio) – I.2002068-SUPV
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Bachelor’s of Social Work – University of Akron
Master’s in Social Work – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Schedule a consultation here.
Source: The Birth Trauma Association Post Natal Post Traumatic Stress Disorder publication