How to Approach Birth After Past Trauma
For many, the thought of childbirth can bring up past trauma, whether physical, emotional, or medical. At Peaceful Birth Company, we believe every birthing person deserves a safe, supportive, and empowering experience. Here’s how trauma-informed care can make a difference.
Understanding Trauma in Birth
75% of birthing people report experiencing perceived trauma during their births. For those with pre-existing trauma, this number can feel overwhelming. Trauma-informed care focuses on creating a birth experience that prioritizes safety, trust, and choice. Research conducted locally here in Northern Colorado shows that having a doula present at your birth can reduce perceived trauma by up to 80%. Besides hiring a doula, what else can you do?
Steps to Prepare for a Trauma-Informed Birth
1. Choose a Supportive Team: Surround yourself with a care team who understands trauma and respects your boundaries. It’s good to start by asking things like “do you offer trauma-informed care?”, “what will you do if I am having a trauma trigger?”, or “how will you respond if I decline something because I feel it may cause a trauma trigger?”.
2. Communicate Your Needs: Share your history (as much as you feel comfortable) with your provider and doula. This helps them tailor their care to your unique situation. It is also helpful to include your partner in these conversations if you feel safe to do so.
3. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Techniques like guided meditation, breathing exercises, hypnosis, and affirmations can help reduce anxiety and ground you during birth. We often reference the Fear-Tension-Pain cycle and discuss ways we can get out of this cycle to minimize trauma responses.
4. Create a Plan: A detailed birth plan can outline your preferences, triggers, and boundaries. It can also educate you on all the options available to you so you can feel informed and in control if things go differently than you imagined.
Empowering Healing Through Birth
Birth can be an opportunity for healing. With the right support, education, and tools, you can feel empowered to reclaim your experience, your body, and your autonomy. You are not alone in this journey, and resources like therapy, doula care, and education can help.