If you have had a traumatic birth, you can talk to a member of the care team about your experience, for example the midwife, anaesthestist or obstetrician.

 

If you have a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder after childbirth, specialist psychological therapies may help you. These include trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy or eye-movement desensitisation and reprocessing.

 

Single therapy sessions focused on ‘reliving’ a traumatic birth experience are not recommended.

 

Medication for anxiety may also help with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, along with a talking therapy.