Giving birth is a life-changing experience, but for some women, it can also be traumatic. A traumatic birth experience can have a significant impact on a woman's emotional and physical well-being and can leave her feeling overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of how to move forward. If you have experienced a traumatic birth, it is important to seek support and take steps to heal and recover. I had a traumatic birth with my first child, and one of my biggest regrets as a mother was not seeking the help I needed to recover from it and process it sooner.

One of the first things that you can do to recover from a traumatic birth experience is to seek support from loved ones. It is common for women who have experienced a traumatic birth to feel isolated and alone, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Talk to your partner, friends, and family members about what you are going through, and let them know how they can support you. Most people will be unsure of how to help you, so be clear and direct. It is okay to need support during this time.

Another important step in recovering from a traumatic birth experience is to seek professional help. If you are experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. A therapist or counselor can help you to process your experience and work through any lingering trauma. Even if you don’t experience the severity of PTSD, please seek outside help for postpartum depression, postpartum anxieties, and trauma.

In addition to seeking support from loved ones and professionals, there are a few other things that you can do to recover from a traumatic birth experience.

• Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is important, both physically and emotionally. This can include things like getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking time for yourself. It is also important to be gentle with yourself and avoid pushing yourself too hard. You are only human, Mama.

• Talk about your experience: It can be helpful to talk about your experience with others who have been through something similar. This can provide a sense of validation and support and can help you to feel less alone. You can find support groups online or in your community, or you can connect with other women through social media. (If you are needing one in the Knoxville area, please let me know and I can send you in the right direction).

• Write about your experience: Writing about your experience can be a therapeutic way to process your emotions and thoughts. You can write in a journal, or you can try writing a letter to your baby or to yourself. Writing can help you to release any emotions that you may be holding onto and can provide a sense of closure.

• Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, without judgment. This can be a helpful way to deal with any lingering trauma from your birth experience and can help you to focus on the present moment rather than getting stuck in the past. You can try mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation. (Hint: try yoga).

• Take time to heal: It is so very important to give yourself time to heal. Recovery from a traumatic birth experience is not a quick process, and it is important to be patient with yourself and allow yourself the time that you need to heal - both physically and mentally.

Recovering from a traumatic birth experience can be a difficult and challenging process, but it is possible.

You can do it, Mama. I believe in you.