Birth Trauma Therapy
When Birth Didn't Go As Planned
Your birth story isn't the one you imagined. Instead of joy, you're left with flashbacks, anxiety, and a deep sense of loss. Whether it was an emergency cesarean, traumatic delivery, or NICU nightmare, birth trauma is real—and healing is possible.
Your Experience Matters
Up to 45% of women describe their birth as traumatic. Yet you're told to "just be grateful for a healthy baby" while you're haunted by what happened to YOU.
Birth trauma isn't about being ungrateful. It's about acknowledging that:
- • You matter too, not just baby
- • Your experience was frightening
- • Your body and psyche went through trauma
- • You deserve to heal
- • You can love your baby AND grieve your birth
It's Not Just About Complications
Medical Factors:
- • Emergency cesarean
- • Forceps or vacuum delivery
- • Severe tearing
- • Hemorrhage
- • Baby in distress
- • NICU separation
- • Preeclampsia/HELLP
- • Unexpected interventions
Emotional Factors:
- • Feeling powerless or voiceless
- • Not being heard by providers
- • Lack of informed consent
- • Feeling violated or assaulted
- • Alone or unsupported
- • Feared for your life or baby's
- • Loss of control
- • Disrespectful treatment
Trauma is about how YOU experienced it, not what others think
The Lasting Impact
Psychological Symptoms:
- • Flashbacks to delivery
- • Nightmares about birth
- • Panic when thinking about it
- • Avoiding birth stories
- • Fear of getting pregnant again
- • Disconnection from body
- • Difficulty bonding with baby
- • Rage at medical system
Physical Responses:
- • Body tension and pain
- • Triggered by medical settings
- • Panic during exams
- • Sexual dysfunction
- • Breastfeeding trauma
- • Fear of physical vulnerability
Relational Impact:
- • Partner resentment
- • Difficulty bonding with baby
- • Isolation from other moms
- • Medical provider distrust
- • Family misunderstanding
Why EMDR Works
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is particularly effective for birth trauma because:
- • Processes trauma without extensive retelling
- • Addresses body memories
- • Reduces emotional charge
- • Builds positive beliefs
- • Integrates fragmented memories
The Process:
- 1. Establish safety and resources
- 2. Identify traumatic moments
- 3. Process with bilateral stimulation
- 4. Install positive beliefs
- 5. Imagine future scenarios
- 6. Reclaim your story
You remain in control throughout
Experiences We Help Process
Emergency Situations:
"The room filled with people and no one told me what was happening"
Cesarean Trauma:
"I felt like a failure. My body couldn't do the one thing it was meant to do"
Intervention Cascade:
"One intervention led to another until I had no choices left"
Provider Trauma:
"The doctor dismissed my pain and concerns completely"
NICU Separation:
"They took my baby and I couldn't follow. I failed to protect them"
Each story is unique and valid
Reclaiming Your Experience
Processing the Trauma:
- • Telling your full story
- • Validating your experience
- • Grieving the lost birth
- • Releasing self-blame
- • Integrating the experience
Rebuilding Connection:
- • Bonding with baby (it's not too late)
- • Reconnecting with body
- • Restoring intimacy
- • Trusting again
Moving Forward:
- • Reducing triggers
- • Planning future births
- • Advocacy skills
- • Meaning-making
- • Post-traumatic growth
What to Expect
Assessment Phase:
Understanding your trauma and symptoms
Stabilization Phase:
Building coping resources and safety
Processing Phase:
EMDR or other trauma therapy
Integration Phase:
Reclaiming your story and identity
Growth Phase:
Moving forward with new strength
Timeline varies, but many see improvement within 8-12 sessions
Your Birth Story Matters
You survived something traumatic. Your feelings about it are valid. With specialized birth trauma therapy, you can heal from what happened and reclaim your story.
In-person EMDR in Bucktown, Chicago
📍 Convenient to Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Logan Square
✉️ katherine@kmhcounseling.com
You birthed a baby AND survived trauma. Let's honor both.