Somatic Therapy & Birth
“Somatic Therapy helped release the trauma from the first birth and transformed my second. Thanks to the work we did I felt so free and empowered.”
“What is birth trauma?”
Trauma can stem from emotional distress at any time during labour, delivery and the postpartum period. It can be caused by unexpected challenges during birth, unplanned interventions, complications, or simply feeling unsupported throughout the process. Having worked as a doula for over a decade, attending 50+ births I can offer couples insight into practical birth experience and how to avoid unneccesary medical intervention if needed.
Your birth story may not have been as dramatic as others you may have heard but if it didn’t go ‘according to plan’ or if it left you with uncomforable feelings, Somatic Therapy could well help you.
Factors that can contribute to a traumatic birth:
Difficult or long labours - a prolonged or intense labour can be physically and emotionally exhausting.
Unplanned interventions -the unexpected use of forceps, ventouse, or emergency Cesarean sections.
Birth complications - perineal tears, postpartum hemorrhage or fetal distress.
Feeling unsupported or unheard - a lack of support from healthcare providers or feeling like one's concerns were not addressed.
Physical pain or injury during labour or delivery.
Psychological distress - fear, anxiety, feeling helpless or overwhelmed.
Preparation & Release
Birth trauma can stem from simply feeling unheard or out of control during the birth process. Somatic Therapy has helped mothers and partners prepare for birth in a positive way and release any negative memories linked to past birth experiences.
Witnessing Birth
Birth partners can also be affected by birth. Somatic Therapy can also help those supporting the mother.
“During pregnancy, I heard many unhelpful scary birth stories from friends and family that really didn’t help. Somatic Therapy helped me get back on track and approach birth with positive and confident mindset.”
Symptoms of birth trauma can include:
Avoidance to think or talk about the birth.
Feelings of anger and resentment towards others or oneself.
Feelings of guilt and inner conflict.
Anxiety, nervousness and difficulty concentrating.
Changes in mood, depression, sadness, or tearfullness.
Difficulty bonding with the baby.
Flashbacks, reoccuring memories or nightmares relating to the birth.
“I felt so angry with myself and the world that the birth didn’t go the way I planned. After a few sessions I felt like a weight lifted. I now bond better with my baby and I don’t carry guilt.”
Enquiries - Stina Richardson / info@stinarichardson.com / +44(0)77 40606910