EMDR for treatment of birth trauma - Geelong counselling and therapy

Birth trauma

The Australasian Birth Trauma Association (www.birthtrauma.org.au) includes an array of helpful information on birth trauma experienced by women in Australia. This includes information on what it is, statistics, risk factors and treatment. Two approaches are recommended (by COPE) for the treatment of birth trauma which include EMDR and trauma focused CBT. At Nurture Geelong EMDR is offered as a treatment approach for those seeking relief from distress post a traumatic birth.  

Birth trauma can manifest in various forms, ranging from physical injuries to emotional distress. For some individuals, traumatic childbirth experiences may include emergency cesarean sections, prolonged labor, medical complications, or feelings of powerlessness and lack of control during the birth process. These experiences can leave a lasting impact, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulties bonding with the baby.

EMDR - What is it?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a therapeutic approach that uses bilateral stimulation (e.g.,eye movement / tapping) to address both psychological and physiological symptoms experienced as a result of negative life experiences. 

Memories are held in our brains. Traumatic or distressing memories can also have a range of associations experienced by the individual including unpleasant thoughts, feelings, body sensations or vivid imagery. These are felt by the individual whenever the memory is triggered.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (think side to side tapping or eye movements) to address the way in which the memory is stored in the brain. Reprocessing the memory changes the way in which the information is stored in the brain which typically results in symptom reduction for the individual. The memories do not disappear but the process allows for the reduction of the emotional charge associated with the memory. So the memory becomes just that, a memory and not a distressing event that triggers a whole array of symptoms. People can recall the memory without debilitating symptoms.  The process also includes linking adaptive information which helps create more helpful associations to both the memory and about yourself.

How EMDR Helps with Birth Trauma
1. Processing Traumatic Memories: EMDR therapy helps individuals process and integrate traumatic memories related to childbirth in a safe and supportive environment. By engaging in bilateral stimulation while recalling the traumatic experience, the brain’s natural healing mechanisms are activated, allowing the person to reprocess the memory and reduce its emotional charge.
2. Addressing Negative Beliefs: Traumatic childbirth experiences can often lead to negative beliefs about oneself, one’s body, or the world. EMDR therapy helps individuals identify and challenge these negative beliefs, replacing them with more adaptive and empowering perspectives. For example, a person who feels inadequate or powerless during childbirth may learn to cultivate feelings of strength, resilience, and self-compassion.
3. Managing Emotional Triggers: EMDR therapy equips individuals with coping skills to manage emotional triggers and distressing symptoms associated with birth trauma. By desensitizing the emotional charge of traumatic memories, individuals can experience a reduction in symptoms such as anxiety, panic attacks, and intrusive thoughts, leading to greater emotional stability and resilience.
4. Restoring a Sense of Empowerment: Traumatic childbirth experiences can leave individuals feeling disempowered and disconnected from their bodies. EMDR therapy helps individuals reclaim a sense of agency and empowerment by fostering a deeper understanding of the birth experience and promoting self-compassion and self-acceptance.

When to seek help

Women may seek help at any stage however it is not uncommon to seek help in preparation for the birth of their second child following a traumatic birth of their first child. However, you do not have to wait for this and can seek help when feeling ready to address the distress.  

If you or someone you know is struggling with birth trauma please reach out to talk with Lizzy and Sophie at Nurture.