Giving birth is one of the most memorable and significant events within a woman's life. High expectations and excitement surround birth and the lasting memories that are created as a result of the birthing experience remain with a woman forever. But what if the experience was a negative one? What if your hopes and dreams for the perfect birthing did not come true?
A distressing birth can produce debilitating symptoms of psychological trauma; negative memories can affect a woman's physical and mental wellbeing.
Questions and deep emotions held following a birth that are not dealt with and answered at the time or shortly after, could cause problems later on affecting not just a new mum but also her baby and her family. It has even been linked to postnatal depression (PND). PND is estimated to affect between 12-15% of women but this percentage is widely believed to not be a true reflection of the amount of women who suffer post birth as many women struggling to cope with the events surrounding the birth are unlikely to attend support groups or access other avenues of aid. The act of debriefing and evaluating a birth experience can therefore be truly beneficial to new mothers.
Put simply, postnatal debriefing is a one-to-one discussion which aims to allow a woman to examine her birth and to begin to resolve any unanswered questions she may have.
Each birth experience is unique and special and with good support antenatally, a woman should feel positive and empowered about the forthcoming birth of her baby. But even the best preparation and knowledge can sometimes leave you with questions and negative feelings. For example, if we look at the birth experience of two random women one who had a rapid birth with no time to really use the techniques for relaxation that she had been practicing for months or even to fill the pool!; and another who's labour ended abruptly in a traumatic caesarean section and a baby who needed a little extra help in special care. Although these two women had very different experiences they both held traumatic memories and they needed to debrief. The first woman held feelings of betrayal that she did not get the time to use her techniques and powerlessness that her body took over from her. The second woman also felt disempowered by her body and feelings of uselessness that she was not for some reason able to birth her baby naturally. With a good amount of debriefing, reassurance and validation of their experiences, both these woman felt re-empowered and happier. It is obvious that just the simple act of 'listening' can make a huge difference.
In essence talking about your birthing experience can not only be joyful in the sharing but also greatly healing. The birth of your baby will be a memorable event whether this is your 1st or 10th! So please, do tell your story, we are listening, it really is good to talk….