![]() ![]() ![]() One study showed that about 45% of women experienced traumatic childbirth and up to 4–6% of women developed PTSD following childbirth (PTSD-FC). A traumatic childbirth could cause psychological distress, intense fear, or helplessness for the parturient and increases the risk of anxiety, depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Given that, a specific attention to PTSD-FC and psychological distress following childbirth should be given to mothers and their partners following childbirth.Ĭhildbirth could be experienced as distressing or even traumatic for some women, which might produce undesirable marks on their lives. Our study demonstrated significant links between psychological, traumatic and birth-related risk factors as well as the perceived social support and the possible PTSD following childbirth in mothers and partners. While for partners, post-partum depression was highly associated with the total score of PTSD-FC. The difficulties in mother-infant bond and the postpartum depression were highly associated with the total score of PTSD-FC symptoms for mothers. ![]() Our findings highlight the possible impact of several risk factors such as emergency childbirth, past traumatic experiences and distressing events during childbirth on PTSD-FC. The PTSD-FC, postnatal depression, social support, and perceived mother-infant bond in 916 mothers and 64 partners were measured through self-reported psychometric assessments. Through a cross-sectional online survey biographical, medical, psychological, obstetrical and trauma history data were collected. ![]() This study explored the possible risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder following childbirth (PTSD-FC) in mothers and partners. She was also one of the ABC's Top 5 scientists for 2022.Childbirth experience could be complicated and even traumatic. Her research involves understanding and treating infant, childhood, adolescent and perinatal trauma. "There's a bit of stigma … so it's just nice for people to be able to talk about it".ĭr Alix Woolard is a research fellow at the Telethon Kids Institute and the University of Western Australia. "I hope that people know they're not alone," she says. It's important for new mums who experienced a traumatic birth to seek mental health support, particularly if they're prone to or have experienced anxiety or depression in the past.įor Ami, recovering from birth trauma meant leaning on family and friends - and opening up about her experience with others. Support after birth is also crucial, whether it be physical rehabilitation or psychological support. In fact, studies have shown that irrespective of how a birth unfolds, having strong social support and positive interactions with health professionals is associated with a lower risk of PTSD. While difficult births can't always be avoided, ensuring parents feel well supported and are given agency during the birth process can help to reduce the likelihood of birth trauma. The good news is birth trauma and the transmission of intergenerational trauma can be addressed with good support and trauma-informed care. Intergenerational trauma is commonly characterised by the passing down of poor attachment behaviours, such as a lack of soothing or conflicting signals from the parent that are modelled early in an infant's life. If the impact of birth trauma is severe enough and directly interferes with the mother-infant bond, it can even lead to intergenerational trauma. If a baby doesn't experience appropriate support, warmth and attachment during their early life, they can go on to view the world as a dangerous place where their needs will not be met. In a recent Australian survey of women who sustained physical injuries during birth, more than half of respondents said their birth trauma had stopped them bonding with their baby.ĭifficulties with the mother-infant bond early on can negatively impact a baby's social and emotional wellbeing, as well as their development. Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 or online resource Dadvice.Pregnancy, Birth and Baby helpline on 1800 882 436.Sands (miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death support) on 1300 072 637.PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) on 1300 726 306.Studies show that birth trauma can mean a mother may struggle to bond with her baby, which is compounded by a mother's low mood - another symptom of birth trauma. For some new parents, the biggest challenge after a traumatic birth is the impact it can have on their relationship with their baby. ![]()
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