What is birth trauma?
If I am pregnant how can I avoid it?
If I have it, how can I repair it?
Birth trauma refers to the emotional and psychological distress experienced by individuals as a result of a challenging or distressing childbirth experience. It can include things like complicated labour, medical interventions, unplanned caesarean sections, perinatal loss, obstetric violence, and also simply feelings of disempowerment or trauma during childbirth. Birth trauma can affect not only those who gave birth but also their partners or support persons.
It is actually pretty common to not connect with the term "trauma". Sometimes it is more helpful to see it as an upsetting experience or a period of pressure. It's worth noting that there are different types of trauma, including "big T" trauma and "little t" trauma. Big T trauma refers to significant events that are usually easily identifiable as traumatic, such as physical assault, natural disasters, or serious accidents. On the other hand, little t trauma refers to experiences that may not seem as significant, but still have a profound impact on a person's mental and emotional well-being, such as ongoing emotional abuse, neglect, or bullying. It's important to recognize that both types of trauma can have lasting effects on a person's life and seek appropriate support when needed.
The Richards Trauma Process (TRTP) is a therapeutic approach developed by Judith Richards. It is designed to address and resolve various forms of trauma, including birth trauma. TRTP involves a structured process of therapy sessions that focus on identifying and resolving the effects of trauma. With regards to birth trauma, TRTP aims to address and heal the emotional and psychological impact that the birth experience may have had on the individual. This can include addressing feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt, anger, or any other emotions associated with the traumatic birth experience. The goal of TRTP is not only to help you to recover from the effects of trauma but ultimately it aims to restore a sense of well-being and empowerment in your life.
It is important to note that TRTP is typically conducted by trained and certified therapists who specialise in trauma treatment. The therapy is tailored to each individual's unique experiences and needs, and the pace of the therapy is adjusted accordingly. Philippa Scott, currently the only trained TRTP practitioner on the Coast who specialises in birth trauma says “Clients generally come to me because they are in pain or riddled with fear and want to be a healthy parent. This includes postnatal clients who have had birth trauma they want repaired, pregnant clients who want to prepare for both birth and do all they can to prevent birth trauma, and people who want to prepare for parenthood so they can be the kind of parents they desire to be”.
The effects of TRTP can be profound. Philippa believes the impact can ripple through generations; “TRTP is a big part of my work as a postnatal therapist, because of course the physical and emotional support in postpartum recovery is important, it’s the deeper work of TRTP that is just as important when we think about creating future generations free from trauma”. With four children herself and her discovering TRTP through her own healing journey, Philippa is passionate about parenting; “I love working with clients who understand the profound impact that our own upbringing and experiences can have on our parenting styles. Parenting can be so challenging, but recognising that we are literally raising the future is powerful and a big motivator for many parents”
Birth trauma can be both prevented and repaired. TRTP, in the hands of a trained therapist, holds the potential to create a future generation free from the burdens of unresolved trauma, promoting healthier and more mindful parenting practices.
To connect with Philippa Scott email her at pippa.fantasticfutures@gmail.com or phone 0423 385 059. Experience sessions online or personally at Luna Wellness Collective, Sunshine Coast, QLD. For more information head to www.fantasticfuture.com.au