What No One Tells You About Birth Trauma: Signs, Impact, and Healing
- Salina Grilli, LCSW
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
Updated: May 19
1 in 4 Women Experience Birth Trauma—It’s Time We Talk About It
Birth is often portrayed as a beautiful, life-changing experience—and for many, it is. But for 1 in 4 women, childbirth is marked by trauma, leaving lasting emotional and physical scars. Yet, too many women suffer in silence, unsure of how to process their experiences or where to turn for support.
What Is Birth Trauma?
“Just like beauty, the perception of birth and whether or not it is traumatic comes from the perception of the parent.” - Cherly Beck
Common Traumatic Perinatal Experiences
Medical Emergencies
Prematurity, NICU, Still Births
Loss of control (powerless, helpless)
Poor communication, unable to consent to procedures.
Lack of support during/after delivery.
A Few Ways Birth Trauma Persists
reliving and flashbacks
pervasive anxiety
intrusive thoughts
numbness & detachment
irritibility + anger
avoidance
Why We Need to Talk About It
The silence surrounding birth trauma only exacerbates the pain. Many women feel pressure to “just be grateful” for a healthy baby, minimizing their own suffering. But acknowledging birth trauma doesn’t take away from gratitude—it allows for healing. By opening up conversations, we validate these experiences and create space for women to seek the help they deserve.
Finding Support and Healing
If you or someone you know has experienced birth trauma, know that support is available. Trauma-informed therapy, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), can help process and heal from distressing memories. Connecting with other moms who have been through similar experiences can also be incredibly validating. Healing is possible, and no one should have to navigate it alone.
Let’s Break the Silence
Birth trauma is not a failure, and it’s not something to be ashamed of. It’s a real and valid experience that deserves acknowledgment and care. Let’s change the narrative, support one another, and advocate for better birth experiences and postpartum care. You are not alone. 💙
If you're struggling with birth trauma, reach out—healing starts with knowing you’re heard and supported.
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