Resources for Women After a Traumatic Birth

Articles, Support Groups, Forums and Books About Birth Trauma

Dec 3, 2008

A difficult birth experience can contribute to post-partum depression or cause post-natal post-traumatic stress disorder. These resources may help the healing process.

In cases where PPD or PN PTSD are suspected, it is wise to consult a doctor or professional psychiatrist. These resources are intended to be supplementary, not diagnostic; however, they have proven their worth in informing and supporting countless women.

International Caesarean Awareness Network

ICAN is a US/Canadian-based organisation dedicated to providing support for women after C-sections. The organisation focuses heavily on preventing medically unnecessary C-sections by advocating for women's rights in hospital, and encouraging pregnant mothers to be well-informed. ICAN also promotes vaginal births after caesarean (VBACs), and provides useful tips for physical recovery after a C-section. The site contains forums full of real-life shared birth stories and discussions.

TABS

Trauma and Birth Stress is a New Zealand-based website focused on post-natal PTSD. The site isn't pretty, but the information is solid and covers the definition and diagnostic criteria of PTSD, advice for planning future births and several birth stories.

Birth Matters Blog

An erudite collection of essays, articles and blog posts by birth writer Gretchen Humphries. Humphries is decidedly pro-natural birth, and describes (among other things) her personal journey of birth trauma following her Caesarean section. The site also has a fantastic collection of links to other articles on birth, mostly from a somewhat scholarly and philosophical perspective.

A seminal book on natural birth by Pam England and Rob Horowitz, Birthing From Within takes a holistic and somewhat spiritual approach to birth. Women who have had a traumatic delivery often choose a less medical model for subsequent births; this book contains techniques and tips for preparing for a safe and successful birth.

An informative resource on Caesareans, Nancy Wainer Cohen's book was called “the bible of Ceasarean prevention” by the Wall Street Journal. The book is an excellent study-based, statistic-packed resource for women who wish to attempt a VBAC (vaginal birth after Caesarean), or simply examine their Caesarean experience retrospectively to determine its cause and necessity.

Sheila Kitzinger examines the medicalised model of birth in this book. Kitzinger draws on the experiences of many women who have had traumatic hospital births, and discusses the effects of routine interventions on birth outcomes. On a more general note, she discusses the cultural climate surrounding Westernised birth today.

Many medical treatises exist on the causes of post-natal depression, but Sandra L Wheatley's book is impressive for its sound practical advice. The book also contains further resources for women to study if they feel their symptoms fit the PND diagnosis.

The copyright of the article Resources for Women After a Traumatic Birth in Postpartum Health is owned by Sarah Tennant. Permission to republish Resources for Women After a Traumatic Birth in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.