Unseen Struggles: Shedding Light on Postpartum PTSD

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Embarking on the journey of pregnancy and childbirth is often envisioned and portrayed as a joyous and exhilarating time. However, for some birthing individuals, the postpartum period can bring unexpected challenges that go beyond the more commonly discussed topics of postpartum depression and anxiety. 

While postpartum PTSD (P-PTSD) is not as widely discussed as postpartum depression or anxiety, it is more common than many may realize. According to research, approximately 9% of birthing individuals may experience P-PTSD following their childbirth experience. 

Symptoms

Postpartum PTSD can manifest in a variety of ways, and it may look different from person to person. Some common things to look out for are:

  • Intrusive Memories: Flashbacks or distressing recollections of the traumatic event that occurred during childbirth. These memories happen frequently and can get in the way of basic daily functioning.  

  • Avoidance: A strong desire to avoid anything that is reminiscent of the traumatic experience, including thoughts, feelings, or external reminders.  

  • Hyperarousal: The constant feeling of being “on edge”. Persistent feelings of anxiety, hypervigilance, and an exaggerated startle response. A traumatic event tricks the body into thinking it needs to remain in a state of high alert in order to protect itself against the next event; this prolonged fight or flight state is a common symptom of PTSD. 

  • Detachment: Undergoing any traumatic event is profoundly painful on many levels, often leading to detachment or dissociation. 

Risk Factors

Several factors may contribute to the development of postpartum PTSD. The majority of these risk factors all center around the idea of “out of controlness” or lack of agency, which is a hallmark of most traumatic events. Some common risk factors include: 

  • Previous Trauma: Histories of trauma, such as sexual assault or domestic violence, are risk factor for P-PTSD. . 

  • Complicated Birth: Emergency c-sections, prolonged labor, or other complications during childbirth can increase the risk. 

  • Medially Complex Newborn: Having a child who requires medical intervention or a NICU stay is considered a risk factor. There is newer evidence to suggest the longer a newborn is in the NICU, the greater the risk of developing P-PTSD. 

Treatments

As mentioned, the experience of a lack of agency is central to postpartum PTSD. If you or your partner are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms or risk factors, there are treatments that are helpful in restoring a sense of control and moving through the PTSD. 

  • Psychotherapy: Therapy for P-PTSD centers around recognizing triggers, reframing distressing thoughts, and processing the traumatic event. It becomes a safe space to grieve over the birthing experience one may have expected. Therapy will often include skills and techniques to make the immediate day to day more manageable.

  • Support Groups: Connecting with others who have experienced similar challenges can be immensely comforting. Support groups provide safe spaces to share experiences, receive validation and gain insights into coping strategies. 

  • Mind-Body Techniques: Mindfulness practices, such as yoga and meditation, can help in feeling grounded and in managing stress. 

Postpartum PTSD is an under-discussed issue. If you read this blog and think you may have untreated P-PTSD or have certain risk factors, reach out here for help. Postpartum PTSD is treatable, and with the right care one can begin to work through the trauma of childbirth and reclaim agency in parenthood.