No two births are the same, and everyone has their own birth story to tell. But for some women, that story isn’t one they enjoy or love to tell, and for others, it might not have a happy ending.
From the moment you discover you’re expecting you have visions and expectations of how you want to deliver your baby. And even though you’re told that most birth plans go out of the window when the day arrives, you should still expect to deliver a healthy, happy baby no matter what.
Sadly, that’s not always the case. And if you’ve experienced a traumatic birth and a subsequent birth injury then you could be left with not just physical scars and pain but severe mental anguish. You can find a birth injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale here if you want to discuss your mishandled birth with an attorney.
So, with this in mind, I’ve gathered four ways to help with the healing process as you recover from a traumatic birth or birth injury.
Learn as much as you can
If you’re feeling lost or left in the dark about what happened in the birthing room, then finding out what went wrong can often bring a sense of clarity and understanding to the healing process. If you think this would help you, then ask to see your medical records and speak with your health care provider about the event and ask as many questions as you can.
Reading up on other people’s experiences can help bring a sense of validation to your own thoughts and feelings. You’re not alone. If you do decide to have another child, then you’ll be armed with all this information next time and you’ll feel more in control of the situation.
Find a way to process your feelings
We’re not designed to hold on to all this mental baggage. Finding a way to process your feelings and emotions can help you cope and manage them effectively. Some women like to speak to others who have gone through similar traumatic births in online forums or support groups, others prefer to write down their feelings as a way to heal and recover. Find a process that works for you.
Don’t forget your partner
You were the one in pain and vulnerable, this was your traumatic experience. However, don’t forget your partner. They too could be suffering from the adverse effects of a mishandled birth. Seeing you in pain and distress, your baby in danger, nurses and doctors panicking…it can impact their mental health and your relationship. If you feel you can, reach out to them and be honest about your feelings. They may be relieved to have someone to talk to. You can then support each other.
Finally, bond with your baby
A sense of disconnection with your newborn after a traumatic birth or injury is normal. But don’t write off a connection with your infant just yet. Take it slowly. Engage in plenty of skin to skin if you feel ready, ease into things gradually and ask for help from loved ones whilst you adjust. Spending time with your baby can help you recover and heal from your traumatic birth experience.