Birth Trauma Support
Whether your birth was frightening, overwhelming or just not what you hoped — your feelings are valid, and you don't have to carry them alone.
What is birth trauma?
Birth trauma occurs when a birth experience leaves you feeling frightened, out of control, unheard or overwhelmed — regardless of whether the birth was medically “straightforward”. Trauma is defined by your experience, not by what happened on a medical chart.
Birth trauma is more common than many people realise. Research suggests that around 1 in 3 women describe their birth as traumatic, and around 4–6% go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
You do not need to have had a complicated birth to be affected. A birth that others describe as “fine” can still be deeply traumatic for you — and your experience deserves to be acknowledged.
What are feelings of traumatic birth?
Feelings of traumatic birth may look like, but not limited to, hypervigilance, tearfulness, flashbacks, panic, changes to relationships, numbness surrounding the event and anger.
Birth trauma can present in many different ways. You may recognise some of the following:
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the birth
- Nightmares or disturbed sleep
- Anxiety, panic or hypervigilance
- Feeling disconnected from your baby
- Difficulty talking about the birth, or avoiding reminders of it
- Feeling angry, guilty or like you failed
- Fear of future pregnancy or birth
- Relationship difficulties with your partner or care team
If any of these resonate, please know that help is available — and that healing is absolutely possible.
Why does it happen?
The fight or flight response is one of our most primitive survival systems and is designed to allow us to act in the face of life threatening danger. The highly aroused emotions of fear experienced during the event are ‘frozen’ in the brain.
I am not a therapist or mental health professional. My support is trauma-informed and compassionate, but I am not a replacement for specialist psychological care. Where appropriate, I will always refer you to the right specialist support.
You may be processing a birth that happened recently — or one that was years ago. Birth trauma does not have a time limit. Whether your baby is six weeks or six years old, your experience is valid and deserves to be heard.
“Your birth story deserves to be told and heard. You deserve to feel better.”
— Leanne
The 3 Step Rewind
If this is something you'd like to explore — please contact me for a complimentary consultation. Here we can discuss if this is the right option for you, or if I need to signpost you elsewhere.
Understanding & Relaxation
I will ask you some questions about the event and gain an understanding of how it is affecting your life now. We will explore your experience through telling it, and establish how it is affecting your life now. Together we will build a picture of what you would like for the future and what you would like to experience with your symptoms lifted. I will then take you through a guided relaxation and provide you with a recording of this to listen to regularly before session 2.
The Rewind Process
We will do the rewind process. I will ease you into a state of relaxation before guiding you through remembering the event in a specific way. You will be able to remain calm and feeling completely safe and secure throughout.
Reflection & Moving Forward
I will check in with how you have been since session 2 and giving you the opportunity to describe any changes that have taken place. We will then focus on visualising the future and building your confidence in moving forward.
You are not alone
Birth Trauma Association →
The leading UK charity supporting people affected by birth trauma. Free resources, peer support and professional directory.
Make Birth Better →
A collaborative network of professionals working to support those affected by traumatic birth.
PANDAS Foundation →
Perinatal mental health support for those experiencing depression, anxiety and PTSD during and after pregnancy.
If you are in crisis, please contact your GP, midwife, health visitor, or call the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7).
Ready to start healing?
Book a gentle, no-obligation conversation with me to talk about your experience and how I can support you.
Book a Conversation