Birth trauma « PATH

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following birth, otherwise known as birth trauma, can affect 1 in every 25 women. Partners who have witnessed a traumatic birth may also experience PTSD. Instead of feeling happy and excited about giving birth, you may have found the whole experience frightening and distressing.

This could be due to a number of factors including:

you felt a loss of control
you felt unsupported or afraid
your pain relief wasn’t effective
you were worried that something was going wrong
you needed an emergency forceps delivery, ventouse extraction or caesarean section
your baby had to be taken to intensive care

You may be experiencing symptoms such as flashbacks or nightmares and may be feeling jumpy, over-anxious, angry or irritable and having difficulties concentrating or sleeping. You may feel very over-protective of your baby or be experiencing difficulties with feeding or responding to your baby and may be worried you don’t feel a bond with your baby.

This video shares the stories of women who have experienced birth trauma and how they found help

Because many of these symptoms can also be normal for new parents, birth trauma is often not picked up by health professionals, or mistaken for postnatal depression or anxiety. You might find it hard to label your birth as ‘traumatic’ or to talk about the birth because it brings up distressing memories. However, your GP, midwife or health visitor can help you to access the right support and treatment if they are aware of how you are feeling so don’t worry about taking the time to talk even if you think they are busy.

Some hospitals offer a post-birth debriefing service where you can discuss your birth experience although some parents find it distressing to return to the same hospital. Speak to your midwife or health visitor to find what services are available in your geographical area. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) can be helpful treatments. You can self-refer to psychological therapy – do remember to state you have a baby under one year of age as you will have priority treatment. You can also find support and advice from The Birth Trauma Association.

It’s okay to ask for help. You are not alone and you are not to blame for how you are feeling but it is important to seek support.

Additional information and support

For full information please visit

Fathers/Partners page -Birth Trauma Association
Institute of Health Visiting: Parent Tip -Coping with a traumatic birth

Birth trauma

Additional information and support

Resources to support your mental health and emotional wellbeing