“I was wheeled out of the same theatre: this time with a smile rather than in shock." - Emma

Birth after trauma

Dr Emma Svanberg, co-founder of Make Birth Better and author of ‘Why Birth Trauma Matters’ explains what you can do.

You would like to have another child, but you’re scared. Because you’re worried the same thing, or even something worse, is going to happen. Or you feel you haven’t recovered enough physically to consider another pregnancy or giving birth again.

It is possible. With the right support you can become confident that trying for another baby is an option for you if you want it to be. The list below includes the different things I’ve seen help women, birthing people and families as they prepare for this journey.

It’s important you feel supported by your partner or loved ones. There are many ways they can help you prepare in the right way. Read more about it here.

It’s understandable you’re scared thinking about trying for another baby. But know your story can be one of harm and heal. You might find your trauma leads to growth, nearly half of women or birthing people do. Your next birth can be transformational, like Emma’s healing C-section here, and feeling supported by your care providers can be transformative.

Preparing for the journey

Psychological Therapy

This may be what you need to do first so you can process the memories of your traumatic birth. This helps reduce feelings of distress, fear and anxiety you might have when you think about giving birth again. Dealing with these increases your sense of empowerment and confidence to handle a pregnancy and birth next time.

The other good thing is that you can put a plan in place with a therapist that helps you feel more safe and secure in your next pregnancy and birth. Therapy also helps you to communicate more clearly with maternity staff. This is important so they understand your needs during labour.

Read more about the options for treatment here.

Tell someone as early as you can

Sharing your previous experience early in your pregnancy will allow the professionals involved in your care and others around you to give you the support you need. We have created the ‘I need help’ download to help you have this conversation. It helps you explain about the way you are feeling – mentally, physically, and emotionally – with your GP, health visitor, midwife, social worker or another healthcare professional. You can also take our free downloads on birth after trauma to your care provider.

There is also a private Facebook group run by the Birth Trauma Association. Here you can get in touch with others who have experienced birth trauma.

Create a support team

It can be really helpful to get a support team in place. This might include your GP, specialist mental health midwives, a psychologist, a psychiatrist and others. Speak to your GP or midwife about what is available in your area. Our ‘I need help’ download can help you to have this conversation too. Depending on your financial circumstances, you might also contact a doula, hypnobirthing teacher, independent midwife and other independent practitioners. While this is not accessible to everyone, many offer reduced fees or payment plans.

Make a birth plan

Getting support to write a specific birth plan can really help you. Think of things you would or would not like to happen, how you would like information to be shared or explained to you, where you wish to give birth (like a specific hospital, midwife-led unit or at home). There are certain factors that known to improve how you feel about giving birth. We call it trauma-informed birth. Read more about it here. A birth plan also informs your care providers you went through a difficult experience, which helps them in giving you support you wish for. This blogpost here from doula, writer and Birthrights founder Rebecca Schiller can help you understand your rights in birth which is useful when writing your birth plan and preparing for your birth.

Review your notes

Going through your previous delivery notes helps you understand what happened which is useful when you’re processing the situation. It also gives you the chance to ask questions and talk through your options for your next pregnancy and birth.

Visit the place of birth

Visiting your chosen place of birth with your partner can be helpful in your preparation.

Ask about the sticker system

Some hospitals use a sticker system. This is when a sticker is placed on the front of your notes to make sure that professionals are aware that you had a traumatic experience and that they can support you in the way that you want. You can ask your midwife or consultant about this.

Go to an antenatal or hypnobirthing class

Going to an antenatal class or hypnobirthing course helps you learn about the labour process. It makes you think about your preferences and you learn techniques to manage the intensity of birth.

Try mindfulness

Using techniques such as mindful breathing, noting the pause in your breath, can feel empowering. It helps reduce stress. It also can be done anywhere at any time, making it both accessible and practical. Read more about using the right mindfulness practices after a traumatic experience here. It includes an exercise you can do with your partner.