When you imagine pregnancy, labor & delivery, and your first hours, days, and weeks with your new baby, certain desires and expectations come to mind. For many people, those dreams not only do not come true, but instead they are faced with unimaginable difficulties and traumas that cause lasting, devastating impact. Â
If you endured severe stress and/or trauma, read on for a short self-check of other symptoms you might be experiencing.
Are you having…
- constant flashbacks or bad memories replaying in your mind?
- nightmares?
- insomnia?
- physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or something else?
- guilt, anger, or feel like you are blaming yourself or someone else?
- worries that something bad will happen again?
- People who experience pregnancy trauma or birth trauma may feel powerless, like they lost their dignity, were invisible, or had no support.
It becomes extremely difficult to think about the details surrounding the events or the emotions you feel as a result, and you don’t know how you can trust that you will feel safe in the future.
There are gold standard, evidence-based interventions available for posttraumatic stress that will help you regain a sense of control, manage the aftermath, and live from a restored perspective.
Dr. Ellen Kolomeyer is a clinical psychologist with expertise in parenting young children and in mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. She is based in Plantation, FL and provides consultations to clients throughout Florida.
