Around 34% of women report having experienced a traumatic birth, according to Johanna E. Soet. If you are one of them, you need to be aware of any signs your child has a birth injury. Beyond this, it’s also crucial that you educate yourself on the possible effects of birth trauma on both yourself and your child. That being said, what are some of the possible effects of birth trauma?
Cerebral Palsy
A startling 25% of babies are at risk for cerebral palsy, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This percentage rises when a baby undergoes a traumatic birth. The tricky thing about cerebral palsy is that it can be difficult to discern in infants. If you’re concerned, you can always try a does my baby have cerebral palsy quiz to see if your child’s milestone progress is a cause for concern. When in doubt, it’s best to bring your child to see their healthcare provider and request testing to get a definite answer to the state of your baby’s health.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
If you’ve experienced a traumatic birth experience, it may take a while before you feel okay. Roughly 4% of women develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic birth, according to Lamaze International, Inc. PTSD may show itself in the form of irritability, a sudden desire for isolation, hyperventilation, and many other symptoms. PTSD may also get in the way of your bonding with your infant. In some cases, PTSD has made new mothers reject their babies. As such, it is crucial that you get PTSD addressed as it may lead to longer-term mental health issues.
Skeletal Injuries
An infant that undergoes a traumatic birth may experience skeletal injuries. Clavicular fractures are common when extraction using forceps. Some good news is that clavicular fractures often heal themselves in very young infants. Other more serious skeletal injuries come in the form of distal humeral epiphyseal separation and depressed skull fractures and may require further medical intervention. While some skeletal injuries may heal with time, others may lead to the child bearing a lifelong disability.
Lactation and Postnatal Depression
Breastfeeding is still possible following a traumatic birth. The issue is that it may be more challenging than what may have been expected. A study conducted by La Leche League International found that mothers that underwent a traumatic birth were less likely to be able to exclusively breastfeed their child in the subsequent months. This inability to stick to exclusive breastfeeding plans helped culminate toward postnatal depression. They recommend that mothers get in touch with their healthcare providers in order to get the support that they need.
Learning more about the possible conditions that both you and your child may experience after birth trauma can help you plan out how to address them. It’s important that you always remind yourself that no matter how alone or isolated you feel, there are others that have been where you are now. Reaching out and seeking aid can help you chase away the clouds around the rainbow of childbirth.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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