Birth Stress, Trauma and Recovery Support
Birth Stars

WHAT IS BIRTH TRAUMA?

Birth Trauma and Stress is a term describing a normal response to a traumatic, and frightening childbirth experience. In addition, women who have endured traumatic birth experiences may also be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress or aspects of it.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Women who have experienced:

• Lengthy labour
• Induction
• Poor pain relief
• Feelings of loss of control
• Traumatic or emergency deliveries after lengthy labour
• Impersonal treatment or problems with staff attitudes
• Not being listened to
• Lack of information or explanation
• Lack of privacy and dignity
• Baby’s stay in NICU or SCBU
• Poor postnatal care

CHARACTERISTICS OF BIRTH TRAUMA

Possible characteristics of Birth Trauma or Post Traumatic Stress include:

1. The persistent re-experiencing of the event by the way of recurerrent intrusive memories, flashbacks and nightmares. The individual will usually feel distressed, anxious or panicky when exposed to things which remind them of the event.
2. A response of intense fear or helplessness to that experience.
3. An experience involving threat or death or serious injury to an individual or another person close to them (e.g. their baby).
4. Avoidance of anything that reminds them of the trauma (this includes talking about it).
5. Bad memories and the need to avoid any reminders of the trauma, will often result in difficulties with sleeping and concentrating. Sufferers may also feel angry, irritable and be hypervigilant (feel jumpy or on their guard all the time).

PROBLEMS RELATED TO BIRTH TRAUMA

• Women might find themselves very isolated and detached from other mothers. This can make them feel lonely and depressed.
• Some women may feel they are unable to forget their childbirth experience and are told to ‘put it behind them’ and ‘move on’. They may feel guilty as a result.
• Many women may feel torn between their desire to have more children and their determination to avoid another pregnancy. They may also lose interest in sex and these problems can place a great strain on their relationship.
• Many women find it difficult to bond with their baby as a result of the trauma they have experienced.

BIRTH STARS CAN HELP

The Birth Stress, Trauma and Recovery Support (Birth STARS) group provides a forum to discuss issues and concerns relating to childbirth. We further strive to assist, guide and offer basic advice and coping methods to women suffering from birth trauma and stress caused by negative and difficult childbirth experiences or pregnancies. Lastly, we aim to support and educate mothers, families, health professionals and the community about Post-Natal Post Traumatic Stress.

WHO ARE WE ?

Kim Tustin – A mother and teacher who suffered from Post Traumatic Stress after experiencing a difficult birth and long recovery period with multiple complications.

Jeanette Rooney-Ozols – R.N., B.Ed., M.Ed., CCC
A certified counsellor who has more than 25 years experience helping people with issues concerning trauma, grief, bereavement, anxiety and depression.

The group consists of mothers who have in common stressful and traumatic births or pregnancies which have affected their lives negatively for several months or years post delivery.

• TABS New Zealand - http://www.tabs.org.nz
• Birth Trauma Association of the UK - http://www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk
• Birth Trauma Canada - http://www.birthtraumacanada.org
• Birth Trauma Survey - http://birthtraumasurvey.co.uk

• Mother Nuture Childbirth Services - http://www.mncs.ca
• Birth Support in Australia - www.joyousbirth.info