And postnatal PTSD might not only be a problem for mothers. Some research has found evidence that partners can suffer it too after witnessing their partner go through a traumatic birth.
Despite these potentially debilitating effects, postnatal PTSD was only formally recognised in the 1990s when the American Psychiatry Association changed its description of what constitutes a traumatic event.
The association originally considered PTSD to be "something outside the range of usual human experience", but then changed the definition to include an event where a person "witnessed or confronted serious physical threat or injury to themselves or others and in which the person responded with feelings of fear, helplessness or horror".
Pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period are all intense, transformative times of life. They are also marked by significant physical, hormonal and emotional changes.
Most of us have heard of postnatal depression (PND), but what you may not know is that PND isn't the only possible mood disorder experienced by new parents after having a baby. Although postpartum PTSD is still being studied and understood.
Causes and symptoms of postnatal PTSD
Everyone experiences PTSD differently, but it is usually characterised by feelings of hypervigilance, fear, and intrusive thoughts.
Your feelings of panic may be elicited by thinking about something frightening that happened during your labour and/or birth, such as being rushed to the operating room for a C-section.
Your emotions may be easily triggered when someone mentions something related to your birth or anything traumatic that happened to you during birth or the postnatal period.
Traumatic events that may cause postnatal PTSD include
● difficult labour with a long and painful delivery
● an unplanned Caesarean section
● emergency treatment
● other shocking, unexpected and traumatic experiences during birth
Some people feel that having a new baby makes up for any traumatic experiences. Or they may think that enjoying being a new parent means they will soon forget about trauma. But these traumatic experiences may have a negative effect on your relationship with your partner, baby and the people around you.
You may feel disappointed that your birth was not the experience you were hoping for. Or you might feel angry with the medical staff if you felt that the delivery wasn't handled well.
Your experiences may also make you feel anxious about having another baby in future, in case you have to go through a similar experience during birth.
Symptoms of PTSD include
● avoidance of any reminders of the traumatising events
● avoidance of people or institutions associated with the traumatising event, such as doctors or hospitals
● sleep disturbances and frequent nightmares
● flashbacks to the traumatic event
● intrusive thoughts/images related to the trauma
● being easily startled
● a general feeling that you or your baby are in danger
● frequent panic attacks
● feeling easily irritated or aggravated
● feeling detached from others
● wanting to withdraw from relationships
● blaming yourself for the traumatic event
This may include
● vivid flashbacks (feeling that the trauma is happening right now)
● intrusive thoughts and images
● nightmares
● intense distress at real or symbolic reminders of the trauma
● physical sensations such as pain, sweating, nausea or trembling
● alertness or feeling on edge
This may include
● panicking when reminded of the trauma
● being easily upset or angry
● extreme alertness, known as hypervigilance
● finding it hard to sleep, even when you have the chance
● irritability or aggressive behaviour
● finding it hard to concentrate, including on simple or everyday tasks
● being jumpy or easily startled
● self-destructive or reckless behaviour
● other symptoms of anxiety
● avoiding feelings or memories
This may include
● feeling like you have to keep busy
● avoiding situations that remind you of the trauma
● being unable to remember details of what happened
● feeling emotionally numb or cut off from your feelings
● feeling physically numb or detached from your body
● being unable to express affection
● using alcohol or recreational drugs to avoid memories
Sometimes having a traumatic birth isn't what causes PTSD. Other risk factors may include:
● a history of infertility, and needing assistance getting pregnant
● having had a history of childbirth complications
● a history of abortion
● social isolation
● previous mental health challenges, including PTSD and depression
Treatment for Postnatal PTSD
Thankfully, there are several treatment options for people who are struggling with PTSD. Many of them overlap with common treatment options for people who have general PTSD, not associated with having had a baby.
Most treatment options that are known to be effective in treating postpartum PTSD focus on trauma-focused psychological therapies (TFPT). These therapies have shown to be effective within the first three months postpartum, as well as in the first three to six months postpartum.
The most widely recommended therapies for managing PTSD include:
● exposure therapy, which involves carefully, but purposefully exposing you to the thing that you are afraid of
● cognitive behavioural therapy, a type of therapy that involves identifying and changing your negative thought patterns
● eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), a therapy designed to explore your past traumas and use eye movement techniques to reduce the intensity of the triggers and memories
Medication
Often the treatment for PTSD involves both therapy and medication. You can talk to your doctor or health care professional to determine if medication is right for you. Most of the medications used to treat depression, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also successfully treat postnatal PTSD.
Experiencing PTSD can deeply affect your emotional, mental and physical well-being, as well as your ability to care for and bond with your baby. Postnatal PTSD is common, and an understandable reaction to difficult circumstances and you didn't do anything wrong.
Please know that help is out there. Treatment for PTSD is effective and can help you feel more balanced, strong, and able to be the parent you want to be.
For a list of providers, please see below.
Depression Helpline
If you need someone to talk to about the way you are feeling, the Depression Helpline is available 24/7. Phone: 0800 111 757. TXT: 4202
Bellyful
Providing meals for mums with newborn babies or struggling with illness eg. postnatal depression
Ph 0508 BELLYFUL
www.bellyful.org.nz
Mothers Helpers
Our mission is to prevent perinatal (antenatal and postnatal) depression or anxiety from occurring and reduce the impact it has on your life, your family's life and your child's life. We can do this by providing you with support and recovery.
www.mothershelpers.co.nz
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa (PADA)
PADA is a national charity that provides advocacy and awareness through training and facilitating connections and tools for health care providers who are supporting families with anxiety & depression due to pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting
https://pada.nz/
Small Steps
Health and wellbeing toolbox developed to help with feelings of anxiety, stress, or low mood. Each tool only takes a few minutes.
smallsteps.org.nz
Littleshadow
Low-cost counselling, resources, group therapy
littleshadow.org.nz
Kids Need Dads
Auckland, Wellington Christchurch based support for Fathers
kidzneeddadz.org.nz
Dad's HQ
Here to listen to support you and your family.
We bring our understanding to support you in your parenting and relationship challenges.
If you are parenting alone or co-parenting we hope we can offer you some support to continue to raise happy healthy kids!
www.dadshq.co.nz
Kite for Mums
Designed to be a supportive journey for mums of all stages, it aims to give mothers the tools to cope with all aspects of motherhood. Like HR support in their pocket, it acts as a professional development tool combined with a wellbeing resource.
www.thekiteprogram.com/kite-individual/kite-for-mums
WHERE TO GET HELP
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
Or if you need to talk to someone else:
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or 09 5222 999 within Auckland (available 24/7)
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757
Samaritans: 0800 726 666.
■ Bellies to Babies Antenatal & Postnatal Classes, baby massage courses and baby and infant first aid courses, 2087 Pakowhai Rd, Hawke's Bay, 022 637 0624. https://www.hbantenatal-classes.co.nz/
Medical disclaimer: This page is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians.
