Understanding Birth Trauma and Effective EMDR Therapy for Healing
By Angela Chadwick Psychology – Birth Trauma EMDR Therapist, Wollongong & Telehealth Australia
Published: 19 April
Explore the emotional impact of birth trauma and how EMDR therapy can support healing. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available in Wollongong and online across Australia.
What Is Birth Trauma?
Motherhood is often idealised as a beautiful journey; however, many women experience significant emotional distress during childbirth, leaving lasting scars. Whether it was an emergency caesarean, a prolonged labour, or feeling unsupported by the care team, these moments can result in emotional pain long after the event. This emotional aftermath is known as birth trauma, and if you’re struggling with it, you are not alone.
Birth trauma is not just defined by physical complications or dramatic medical events. It encompasses the emotional and psychological impact of childbirth. Even a seemingly “textbook birth” can be traumatic if you felt powerless, unsupported, or afraid.
Common Causes of Birth Trauma
Some common causes of traumatic birth experiences include:
Medical Interventions: Emergency C-sections, forceps or vacuum deliveries, or unexpected complications can leave women feeling physically and emotionally violated. Loss of bodily autonomy is a recurring theme in these cases.
Lack of Control or Support: Feeling silenced, dismissed, or unable to make decisions about your own care can leave long-term emotional scars. Feeling invisible or powerless during such a vulnerable moment is a common experience.
Overwhelming Emotions: Fear, panic, confusion, and helplessness during labour can imprint deeply. These emotions are valid and deserve attention and care.
Complex Birth Outcomes: Miscarriages, stillbirths, or babies needing NICU care can create deep emotional trauma, grief, and isolation.
How Birth Trauma Can Affect You Emotionally
The emotional impact of birth trauma can manifest in subtle or intense ways. Here are some common signs and symptoms:
Anxiety or Depression: Overwhelming sadness, constant worry, or feeling hopeless.
Intrusive Thoughts or Flashbacks: Replaying the birth experience involuntarily.
Emotional Numbness: Difficulty connecting with your baby or others.
Guilt, Shame, or Anger: Negative emotions surrounding the birth experience.
Avoidance: Steering clear of anything related to birth or babies.
Isolation: Withdrawing from other mothers or avoiding discussions about birth.
Birth trauma can feel isolating, but it’s more common than many people realise.
Disappointment, Difficulty, or Trauma—All Are Valid
Your birth experience is valid, no matter how it compares to anyone else’s. Here’s a breakdown:
Disappointment: Your labour may have gone “smoothly,” but emotionally, it didn’t feel right. You may mourn the birth you hoped for.
Difficulty: Your birth was unexpectedly complicated, leaving you feeling confused or disempowered.
Trauma: If you felt frightened, powerless, or deeply unheard, you might struggle with lasting emotional distress.
Whatever your experience, healing is possible, and you don’t have to face it alone.
Healing Birth Trauma with EMDR Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a clinically proven therapy for trauma, including postnatal PTSD and birth trauma. It helps your brain process painful memories, reducing their emotional intensity, all without the need to relive the experience in detail.
EMDR therapy is a gentle, structured approach that can be conducted in-person or via telehealth. It often takes less time than traditional talk therapy, focusing specifically on healing the emotional distress tied to trauma.
How EMDR Therapy Can Help with Birth Trauma
EMDR therapy can support healing by addressing various aspects of birth trauma:
Reduce Distressing Flashbacks and Intrusive Thoughts: Help alleviate the emotional impact of recurring memories.
Process Feelings of Guilt, Helplessness, or Shame: Address negative emotions associated with the birth experience.
Decrease Birth-Related Anxiety and Fear: Mitigate ongoing fears related to childbirth and motherhood.
Support Emotional Bonding with Your Baby: Enhance the connection and attachment between you and your baby.
Reclaim Your Birth Story: Empower you to take control of your narrative and rediscover your strength.
Whether your birth trauma occurred recently or years ago, healing is still possible.
Birth Trauma Support in Wollongong and Online Across Australia
At Angela Chadwick Psychology, I specialise in trauma-informed care and EMDR therapy for women navigating the emotional impacts of childbirth. As an EMDR Accredited Practitioner, I offer in-person therapy in Wollongong and online telehealth sessions for mothers across NSW and Australia.
My approach is:
Compassionate and Non-Judgmental: Providing a safe, supportive environment for healing.
Tailored to Your Unique Emotional Experience: Personalised care based on your individual needs.
Focused on Recovery, Not Rehashing Trauma: Emphasising empowerment and healing, rather than dwelling on the past.
You deserve to feel seen, supported, and empowered in your healing journey. If you're struggling with birth trauma, EMDR therapy may be the key to your recovery.