The Impact of Trauma-Informed Care on Childbirth: Why It Matters

The term "Trauma-informed" gets thrown around a lot these days. But what does it really mean when it comes to your birth experience and why it is crucial to this moment?

To begin, it's important to recognize that trauma is deeply personal and multifaceted. That means that trauma can manifest even without an actual threat or risk; it can simply stem from a perceived sense of danger, heightened emotional response, or feelings of being threatened. Trauma can also occur when a past trauma is triggered, plunging us back into a state of feeling threatened and vulnerable.

Trauma-informed refers to an approach that acknowledges the prevalence and impact of trauma on individuals. It involves understanding how past traumatic experiences can influence behavior, emotions, and perceptions, and integrating this awareness into policies, practices, and services to create environments that are sensitive and supportive.

In the context of childbirth, a trauma-informed approach recognizes that pregnancy, labor, and delivery can be emotionally and physically intense experiences, which may trigger or exacerbate past trauma for some individuals. This approach prioritizes creating a safe and supportive environment that respects the autonomy, choices, and emotional well-being of the birthing person.

Here's why a trauma-informed approach is crucial for maternal care:

Respecting Individual Experiences: Every individual has a unique history and set of experiences. Recognizing and respecting these differences allows childbirth educators, doulas, and healthcare providers to tailor care to meet the specific needs and preferences of each person, promoting a more positive and empowering birth experience.

Minimizing Re-traumatization: For individuals who have experienced trauma, particularly related to medical procedures or intimate settings, childbirth can be particularly triggering. A trauma-informed approach aims to minimize re-traumatization by creating a supportive and non-threatening environment, reducing the risk of further emotional distress during childbirth.

Empowering Choice and Control: Trauma can often leave individuals feeling a sense of powerlessness or loss of control. By empowering the birthing person to make informed decisions about their care and actively involving them in the decision-making process, a trauma-informed approach helps restore a sense of agency and autonomy during childbirth.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Feeling safe and supported during childbirth is essential for promoting positive birth outcomes. By providing compassionate care, addressing concerns, and offering emotional support, healthcare providers can help reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to a more comfortable and relaxed birth experience.

Ways to Build Trauma-informed Support

Build Trust: Trust is paramount! Establish a trusting and respectful relationship with your healthcare team. Clear communication, active listening, and empathy help build trust and create a safe space for you. If you do not feel heard, seen or you are feeling rushed by your care provider, remember YOU ARE NOT SICK, and you can find another care provider that you trust 100%!
Empower Your Choice: Recognize that past trauma my reappear at this time and you may need specific preferences and needs during childbirth. Understand your options so that you can make informed decisions about your care. This will help you feel more in control and reduce feelings of powerlessness or re-traumatization.
Creating a Safe Environment: Ensure that your birthing environment feels safe and supportive. This can involve maintaining privacy, minimizing interventions that may trigger trauma responses, and building your tool box of comforting resources such as supportive birth partner/doula, pain management tools, environmental effects, etc.
Trauma-Informed Care Practices: Healthcare providers and support staff should receive training on trauma-informed care practices, including understanding the potential impact of trauma on childbirth, recognizing trauma triggers, and responding appropriately to distress or emotional reactions. This would also include childbirth classes that you invest in, the hospital you attend, the other people you allow in your delivery room; Mother, etc.

Overall, a trauma-informed approach to birthing recognizes the importance of addressing the individual's emotional and psychological needs alongside their physical health throughout the childbirth experience. By prioritizing compassion, respect, and empowerment, healthcare providers can help promote positive birth outcomes and support the individual's overall well-being.

For more ways to support yourself in this manner, read about our a trauma-informed Connected Childbirth Series.