Can You Get PTSD from a Traumatic Birth? Is Birth Trauma Real? — Understanding the Impact of Birth Trauma and How Therapy Can Help
When You Experience a Traumatic Birth
When someone finds out they’re expecting, they typically imagine how the birth will go. They might picture a vaginal delivery or a scheduled C-section. They think about who will be in the room, how they’ll manage pain, and what those early postpartum moments will be like. Very few people prepare for the possibility of a traumatic birth.
But, what happens when your birth doesn’t follow the plan—and it doesn’t feel okay?
What Makes a Birth Traumatic? Is Birth Trauma Real?
Birth trauma is not always about what medically happened, but about how it was experienced emotionally and psychologically—and yes, birth trauma is real. A birth may be considered traumatic if you felt:
Out of control
Ignored or dismissed by medical staff
Unsafe
Terrified for your or your baby’s life
Emotionally overwhelmed
Disconnected or unsupported
What Does a Traumatic Birth Look Like?
Some birth trauma examples might be:
A vaginal birth that turns into an emergency C-section
A baby born prematurely and admitted to the NICU
Feeling completely out of control during labor
Not having your preferences respected or feeling unheard
Pain medication that didn’t work—or wasn’t offered when needed
An experience that technically went well, but felt terrifying or violating
Trauma is subjective—trauma is in the eyes of the beholder. A birth that someone else find manageable may have left you deeply shaken. Your story and feelings are valid.
Long Term Effects of a Traumatic Birth
Having a traumatic birth can lead to emotional, physical, and relational challenges including:
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Panic attacks or flashbacks
Trouble enjoying birthdays or anniversaries
Avoidance of future pregnancies
Struggles with intimacy or connection with your partner
Irrational guilt or shame
Depression, anxiety or postpartum PTSD
These are not signs of weakness, they are symptoms of trauma, and they are treatable.
How Traumatic Birth Therapy Can Help
You don’t have to carry your story alone. Many people find relief and healing through traumatic birth therapy, especially approaches like:
These therapies are designed to help your brain and body process trauma, release emotional pain, and rebuild a sense of safety and control.
You deserve a space to talk about your birth experience without judgement—and to stop feeling like it’s something you have to just “get over”. We are often told that we “should” be happy because our baby is healthy—it’s okay if you don’t feel like this! This does not make you a bad parent (partners are not except from traumatic birth experiences even though they aren’t the birth giver!).
Finding a Birth Trauma Therapist Near You
If you’ve been googling “birth trauma therapists near me”, you’re not alone. Many people don’t even realize that their emotional struggles are connected to their birth story—until they finally find the right support.
When seeking a therapist, we recommend looking for:
Experience or certification in perinatal mental health (PMH-C credential)
Specialized training or certification in EMDR, Brainspotting, or other trauma modalities
An understanding of how trauma uniquely impacts parents and their baby
You deserve a therapists that sees the whole you—your story, your experience, and your potential for healing.
You are not alone—and You Can Heal!
Up to 80% of people report experiencing their birth as traumatic in some way. That doesn’t mean it is normal, and it does not mean you have to “tough it out”.
If you’ve ever wondered “Can you get PTSD from a traumatic birth?”—this is your answer: Yes. And treatment exists for this.
Start healing today.
If you or someone you love is struggling after a traumatic birth experience, please reach out. We offer complimentary consultations to talk through your experience and explore what kind of support might be most helpful.
Even if we aren’t the right fit, we will help connect you to someone who is.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) also has a TON of great resources from a directory for therapists/psychiatrist to free online support groups for birth trauma. Click here to check out Postpartum Support International (PSI).
Schedule your complimentary consultation today to learn more about traumatic birth therapy and how we can help you on your healing journey.
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Soteria Mental Health
We offer online therapy specializing in trauma therapy, therapy for postpartum and pregnancy, anxiety therapy, and couples therapy. We offer:
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