Birth trauma birth as a trigger for nightmares

Bad memories of the delivery room can lead to depression

04/12/2014

Many women experience the birth of their child as a painful, yet deeply fulfilling and happy experience. But in some cases things are different and memories of the child's birthday are marked by fear, grief and helplessness. In this case, the affected women suffer from a so-called „birth trauma“, which can have different causes and therefore does not always have to be linked to a dramatic emergency. In this situation, it is important for those affected to have help and support from close relatives, but also from specialized specialists such as midwives or counseling centers in order to be able to overcome the trauma.

About 100,000 women a year from „peripartal mental illness“ affected
Is the birth „made“, Most women feel a sense of relief and deep happiness, regardless of the pain and possible hardships they have experienced. But in some cases it is very different and the birth is in retrospect remembered as a real nightmare: „Actually, everything was fine the day I came to the hospital. I was excited but relaxed and just looked forward to my child. But then everything went very different and the birth was just terrible. I felt so helpless and delivered“, reports Antje R. from Hamburg. „A birth trauma is not a mass phenomenon, "says Jörg Angresius from the professional association of gynecologists in Munich told the news agency „dpa“. According to the association Schatten & Licht, about 100,000 women a year would be among the so-called „peripartal mental illness“ suffering, which summarizes mental disorders related to childbirth.

Affected women experience emotional rigidity, anxiety and excessive demands
„But it is very tormenting for the women involved“, so Jörg Angresius further towards the dpa. Many women would feel a sense of emotional rigidity, but at the same time tend to irritable mood, anxiety or aggression. A sense of overworking is spreading, often all the negative feelings are then processed into nightmares at night. According to the head of Trauma Institute in Weilheim, Astrid Saragosa, the symptoms would be a so-called „However, in contrast to this, not the first time as a mother, but the birth itself is the traumatizing experience. „This can happen, for example, when midwives or doctors do not care for a long while and the woman is alone with her pain and thoughts, "said Viresha Bloemeke from the German Midwives Association in Hamburg to the dpa.

Also supposedly „harmless“ Causes can trigger a trauma
Therefore, it does not always have to be a dangerous situation automatically, so that the birth leaves such grave mark on the mother. Even seemingly harmless circumstances can cause a threatening feeling in the woman. It spreads fear, insecurity and helplessness, so that in the wake of the natural instinct of flight sets in - but can not be pursued at birth. Instead, according to Viresha Bloemeke a kind of „emergency program“ in which they are activated „is working“, but due to the emotional distance later could have only minimal memories.

Often followed by a retreat and the suppression of bad feeling
After the birth, the nervous burden then continues. Hardly sleep, the woman is always in „alert“ and therefore usually only after some time gets access to himself and the vague feeling that something is wrong since the birth. However, reactions from others such as "Everything went well" or "These are the hormones" would, according to Astrid Saragosa, often lead to women not taking their feelings seriously or talking small. Shame also plays a big role in not being able to cope with the "most natural thing in the world," Saragosa continues. As a result, it would then cause many women to retire.

Patients should contact their midwife to process the experience
According to Astrid Saragosa, the strict handling of oneself and the shame of feeling overstrained in this situation does not make sense. Instead, affected women should turn to their midwife and self-help groups and antenatal counseling centers could provide valuable support. For example, Astrid Saragosa herself would offer her patients follow-up talks via Skype, „Often a quiet conversation is helpful, in which the woman goes through the birth experience again, "explains the therapist. „I go through each moment of birth with those affected step by step, looking inward and expressing what she has felt and experienced. "Saragosa continues," The memories could be quite painful for the woman, especially because many Blaming those affected or blaming the doctors for the traumatic experience, Viresha Bloemeke believes that it may be useful to request the birth protocol, as it could be followed with expert guidance to understand the individual steps.

Formulate experiences and criticisms in a letter
In addition, it could be helpful to write a letter to the doctor or the hospital, in which the woman affected her criticism or recommendations and wishes for the next birth „can write from the soul“, recommends Bloemeke on. „Whether she then sends the letter or puts it on a river as a boat, is up to her. "According to the expert from the German Midwives Association, it would be important instead to reconcile with what happened, by clarifying the past situation and sorting out the emotions Here also the partner and other related persons are important to support the woman: „You can look after the child, cook for the family or do laundry, "Angresius recommends, relieving the person concerned, allowing them to settle down and developing the feeling that they have not „danger“ more threatening.

Homeopathy as natural support in a traumatic birth experience
In addition, in some cases, homeopathy can help in a traumatic birth experience, because in addition to the physical support, the corresponding natural remedies can also be beneficial in the healing of mental wounds. Accordingly, for example, in consultation with the homeopath right after a birth shock Aconitum in low potencies (D4, D6) help in bruising and bruising on the other hand Arnica has proven many times. For more severe birth injuries, such as facial and arm paralysis, hypericum may have a positive effect, but in fractures or clavicle fractures, experts often recommend Symphytum (comfrey) to aid healing. In general, however, you should always talk to a health practitioner or alternative medical practicing physician before each use in order to avoid risks. (No)