Birth Trauma & Assessments

Understanding Birth Trauma: When Your Birth Experience Leaves a Lasting Impact

Birth trauma refers to the emotional or psychological distress experienced during or after childbirth. It can arise from a difficult labour, an emergency situation, feeling powerless or unheard, or unexpected medical complications. Even when a birth is medically “successful,” it can still leave emotional scars. If you’re experiencing flashbacks, panic, nightmares, or disconnection from your baby or your body, you may be living with the effects of birth trauma.

As a Clinical Psychologist, I support people in making sense of these distressing experiences. It’s not uncommon to feel confused or even guilty about how birth unfolded—and it can be painful when others don't understand. Therapy for birth trauma often includes trauma-informed CBT or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), a powerful and well-researched treatment that helps the brain process traumatic memories safely. These approaches can help reduce emotional intensity, rebuild trust in your body, and gently restore your sense of control.

If your birth experience continues to affect your mood, sleep, or relationships, you’re not alone—and it’s never too late to seek support. Healing from a traumatic birth is possible, and you deserve space to process what happened in a safe, compassionate environment. Whether your birth was recent or years ago, therapy can help you move forward with greater ease and confidence.