Birth-realted Traumatic Stress Disorder

Some women may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childbirth. There are two key components of PTSD (1) experiencing or witnessing an event involving actual or threatened danger to oneself or others and (2) responding with intense fear, helplessness, or horror.

Symptoms of birth-related PTSD may include:

1. Obsessive thoughts about the birth
2. Feelings of panic when near the place of birth
3. Feeling of numbness and detachment
4. Disturbing memories of the birth experience
5. Nightmares
6. Flashbacks
7. Sadness, fearfulness, anxiety, or irritability

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your Certified Nurse-Midwife or healthcare provider today. If you know someone who has experienced birth-related PTSD encourage them to seek professional assistance. Postpartum Support International (www.postpartum.net) provides information for new parents, online support groups, chats and discussion boards, and bookstore, etc.