Birth Trauma

There are so many women who are suffering (not a word I use lightly) from birth trauma. I saw another couple today. She is now pregnant with her second baby and is so fearful of birth that she just wants to book an elective caesarean section under General Anaesthetic. This is understandable when you listen to her story – about an unnecessary induction, syntocinon for 48hrs., many vaginal examinations, from which she feels totally violated, and ending in a caesarean under general anaesthetic due to maternal exhaustion. She did not have an epidural. Yes, a very brave, strong woman! How different this birth could have been had she had a doula who presented her rights and options throughout this pregnancy. Her partner, whilst very supportive, says he felt helpless and didn’t know what to ask or how to ask. He, also is carrying a lot of trauma and is also fearful of being at this birth. I am encouraging her to consider all her options, in particular HypnoBirthing and a doula. There is a lot of work ahead but with the right support for both of them, I have no doubt this birth can be a wonderful healing experience. So to all those women who have birth trauma, please do yourself a favour and book in for a birth de-brief, which includes looking at your rights and options for your next pregnancy. Don’t carry this around with you for the rest of your life. Birth is a normal event. Birth is simple. Having the right doula support is essential.