Birth trauma from the perspective of perinatal counsellors: A mini focus group study

Abstract

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.