Let’s Talk About Postpartum PTSD
The postpartum stage can be the best of times for moms, and for some it can also be the worst of times. In recent years, discussing one’s mental health issues has become less taboo than it once was, with mothers becoming more comfortable discussing their battle with postpartum depression. While this is a move in the right direction, depression is not the only mental illness moms face in the postpartum stage. Moms can also experience Postpartum anxiety, Postpartum OCD, and Postpartum PTSD. In accordance with June being National Post-traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD) Awareness Month, we wanted to discuss postpartum PTSD, and how it impacts moms and their babies.
PTSD is a disorder that impacts people who have experienced a traumatic incident such as rape, war or physical assault. Postpartum PTSD, however is specifically associated with traumatic or difficult childbirths. The Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois reports that Postpartum PTSD impacts 6% of mothers. Unfortunately, it is often misdiagnosed as Postpartum Depression, or even downplayed as “The Baby Blues.” While these are two distinct conditions, La Leche league Canada reports that PTSD can trigger episodes of postpartum depression as well.
Read on as we explore what PTSD symptoms look like, how childbirth can trigger PTSD, and how the condition may impact a mother’s bond with her baby.
What are Some Birth Related Traumas that May Trigger Postpartum PTSD?
Childbirth is a unique experience for each mother. There are many experiences that could potentially trigger PTSD in moms. Some of them are as follows:
- A difficult or complicated birth with health issues for mom or baby
- An extremely painful birthing experience for mom
- Feeling abused, ashamed, or humiliated during the birth, whether by medical staff or family
Moms who have previously experienced PTSD from another traumatic event are also more prone to PTSD after childbirth than moms who have never experienced it in the past.
What are the Symptoms of PTSD?
- Reliving or reimaging the traumatic events
- Loss of sleep
- Changes in appetite
- Avoidance of people and things associated with the birthing trauma
- Irritability
- Detachment
- Loss of interest in things they once enjoyed
- Panic or anxiety attacks
How Does PTSD Impact Mom and Baby?
Postbirth PTSD can be challenging for the mother-infant relationship. The reliving of the traumatic experience makes the mother less “present,” and less in sync with her infant . As PTSD can cause a feeling of detachment, moms may have a hard time connecting with those around them, including their babies.
The hormonal response needed for breastfeeding (especially oxytocin and prolactin) can also be disrupted by stress and trauma and this may lead to difficulties with milk let down and feelings of anxiety during feeding.
A study by the International Breastfeeding Journal reported that a study on mothers showed that of 759 moms, 12% had developed PTSD within 42 days of birth. However, those who were exclusively breastfeeding (not supplementing with formula or solids) were found less likely to develop PTSD. Conversely, an article from Sexual and Reproductive Journal (2023) notes previous correlating perinatal PTSD with sleep and feeding rates and lowered rates of breastfeeding. Additionally, the article states, “birth related trauma can affect breastfeeding and milk supply [4] and may even extend past early infancy with one study suggesting that posttraumatic reactions could partly predict sleeping and eating problems eighteen months after the birth.”
Research, Prevention and Treatment
Not as much research has been done on postpartum PTSD as has been on Postpartum Depression. However there are treatment methods available. Many of the treatment methods are also used as preventative measures for moms who may have experienced Postpartum PTSD in the past. Some moms have found Cognitive Behavior Therapy to be helpful, as well as “expressive writing”about their traumatic birthing experience, especially when done within twelve weeks of the incident. But if you are experiencing postpartum PTSD, or know someone who may be going through this experience, then it is best to reach out to a mental health professional for personalized support and guidance.
Final Thoughts
Postpartum is a challenging time for all moms. If you’re experiencing mental health issues during this stage, please know that you are not alone. Taking care of your mental well-being is essential to both your health and your baby’s.
Be gentle and kind with yourself, and don’t hesitate to speak with a mental health professional who can support you through this transitional period. If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it. You might also be interested in reading Postpartum Anxiety and Breastfeeding – Breastfeeding Perspectives
References
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder After Traumatic Childbirth. Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois. Traumatic Childbirth | Postpartum Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Baby Blues, PPD, PPA, PPOCD, and Postpartum PTSD. La Leche League Canada.Baby Blues, PPD, PPA, PPOCD, and Postpartum PTSD | La Leche League Canada – Breastfeeding Support and Information
Frankham, L.J., Thorstensston, E.B., Bartik, W, (2023).Birth related PTSD and its association with the mother-infant relationship: A meta-analysis. Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare volume 38. Birth related PTSD and its association with the mother-infant relationship: A meta-analysis – ScienceDirect
Chen, J.,Lai,X.,Zhou, L.,Retnakaren, R., Wen, S.W.,Krewski,D,,Huang, L.,Li, Mei., Xie, R., (2022). Association between exclusive breastfeeding and postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder. International Breastfeeding Journal.Association between exclusive breastfeeding and postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder
