Background Approximately one-third of women reflect on childbirth as a traumatic experience and the way women appraise their birth experience is significant to their postnatal wellbeing. This study aimed to identify and compare experiences of childbirth for mothers who reflect on birth as a traumatic or non-traumatic event. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 mothers in the postpartum period who appraised their birth as either traumatic or non-traumatic. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to elicit themes and subthemes. Results Thematic analysis revealed two contrasting themes relating to whether women felt empowered or powerless during birth. Empowerment was associated with women's trust in their maternity care, the sense of control they felt over their body and birth and the extent to which they felt informed of their options. Being powerless was associated with distrust towards healthcare services, feeling as though they lacked control over the process and feeling ‘in the dark’ about what was happening. Conclusions Women's sense of empowerment during birth is an important contributor to the appraisal of childbirth as a traumatic or non-traumatic experience. Empowerment is largely determined by the dynamic between a mother and the support around her.
One in five women in the UK develop mental health problems during pregnancy or in the first year after childbirth. ‘Birth trauma’ is a common birth-related mental health issue which stems from perceiving childbirth as a traumatic experience; the term ‘birth trauma’ also encompasses living with and experiencing the accompanying symptoms of trauma after childbirth. A mini focus group study was conducted with two experienced perinatal counsellors to discuss their experiences working with parents struggling with birth trauma. Analysis of the focus group revealed five key themes: the complexity of birth trauma; the power of communication; changes in culture; falling through the gaps and coping with trauma. The themes identified reflect previous academic research on parent and clinician experiences of birth trauma as well as national reports aimed at improving maternity care for parents.
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