Experiences of birth that felt traumatic or overwhelming
Sadly, many people experience birth in ways that feel traumatic or emotionally overwhelming. Birth trauma experiences are usually a direct result of the events, injury and/or care received from childbirth and just after. These experiences can leave lasting emotional effects, including flashbacks, anxiety, guilt, or difficulty bonding. We understand this can also have an impact on fathers and partners too.
How therapy can help
Therapy helps to process and make sense of these experiences, rebuild a sense of safety, and find ways to integrate the birth experience into your personal narrative. Approaches are always paced, trauma-informed, and sensitive to perinatal wellbeing.
Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and EMDR therapy can be particularly effective for unresolved distress from birth trauma, alongside Compassion-Focused Therapy. For example, we recognise that shame and self-criticism is common in new mothers and fathers, so developing self-compassionate skills can be helpful.
- TF-CBT
- EMDR
- CFT
Related areas I work with
Pregnancy anxiety & tokophobia
Worries that feel overwhelming and persistent during pregnancy, including intense fear of childbirth.
Learn more →Parenthood & identity
Profound changes in identity, relationships and daily life after becoming a parent.
Learn more →Medical trauma
Hospital, gynaecological or obstetric care that was experienced as traumatic.
Learn more →Ready when you are
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