Somatic Therapy & Birth
“Trauma can stem from simply feeling unheard or out of control during the birth process. ”
Preparation & Release
Somatic Therapy has assisted mothers and partners prepare for first births and release negative memories linked to past birth experiences.
“What is birth trauma?”
Trauma may stem from emotional distress during labour, delivery and the postpartum period. This can include unexpected challenges during birth, unplanned interventions, complications, or simply feeling unsupported throughout the process.
“Do I have birth trauma?”
If the memory of your birth experience was in any way distressing for you, it may reside in the mind and body as trauma. It may not have been as dramatic as other birth stories and you may even be thinking its normal and to be expected and “I’ll get over it“ but it may still be still affecting you. Whatever your experience, Somatic Therapy can help you can move feel peace and move on.
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.
Symptoms of birth trauma can include:
Avoidance to think or talk about the birth.
Feelings of anger towards others or oneself.
Feelings of guilt and inner conflict.
Anxiety, difficulty concentrating or nervousness
Changes in mood: depression, sadness, or tearfullness.
Difficulty bonding with the baby.
Flashbacks, reoccuring memories or nightmares relating to the birth.
Witnessing Birth
A birth partner is often heavily involved emotionally and can thus develop birth trauma also.
Seek Help
If you or your partner are experiencing symptoms of birth trauma, it is important to seek help.
“I had heard many unhelpful scary birth stories from friends and family and Somatic Therapy helped me release my fears and approach the birth with confidence and a positive mindset”
“Somatic Therapy helped release the trauma from the first birth and transform my second. We couldn’t be happier!”
“After the birth I fel so angry with myself and the world that it didn’t go the way I planned.
A few Somatic Therapy sessions helped me realise I did my best and it wasn’t my fault.
I feel so much happier now, like a weight has lifted. I bond better with my baby and don’t carry guilt I never knew I had!”
For Enquiries Please get in Touch - Stina Richardson / info@stinarichardson.com / +44(0)77 40606910