Healing Birth Trauma: BLS & Somatic Resourcing
Healing Birth Trauma: The Power of Bilateral Stimulation and Somatic Resourcing
Introduction
Birth trauma can have profound psychological and emotional impacts on new parents. For many, the experience of childbirth can be overwhelming and may lead to conditions such as postpartum depression or PTSD. In recent years, therapeutic approaches like bilateral stimulation and somatic resourcing have emerged as effective tools for healing. In this blog, we'll explore how these techniques can help individuals recover from birth trauma. Birth trauma is not widely spoken of which makes many parents feel like there are no options for healing. Healing is possible; learn more below.
Understanding Birth Trauma
Birth trauma refers to the emotional, psychological, and sometimes even physical distress that occurs during or after childbirth. It can be an incredibly complex and deeply personal experience, often leaving lasting effects on the parent’s emotional and mental well-being. Although many people associate birth trauma with the physical aspects of childbirth, it’s important to recognize that it encompasses a wide array of emotional, psychological, and social experiences.
Understanding these factors is crucial in addressing the emotional aftermath. Many individuals carry this trauma into their parenting journey, affecting their ability to bond with their newborn. It is important to note that this list below is not exhaustive; after hearing many birth stories, I can say that birth trauma varies tremendously from person to person. Also, in my treatment of birth trauma, I include difficulties in pregnancy and postpartum. I also think it’s important to note that partners and other people who attended the birth can also experience birth trauma and that treating their birth trauma is important as well.
Factors that Contribute to Birth Trauma
Birth trauma can stem from various factors, and it’s essential to understand that the experience of trauma is highly individual. What might be traumatic for one person may not feel the same for another. However, common contributing factors to birth trauma include:
Complications during Labor
One of the most common contributors to birth trauma is complications during labor. These can include prolonged labor, failure to progress, or issues related to fetal distress. Unexpected complications can result in an emergency situation that leaves the birthing parent feeling scared, helpless, and unprepared. A sudden shift from a calm birth plan to the need for medical intervention can lead to confusion and emotional distress. Experiencing feelings of being out of control or not being able to advocate for oneself during this time can leave a parent with a sense of trauma that lingers long after the birth.
Emergency Interventions
Emergency interventions such as cesarean sections, the use of forceps, or vacuum extraction can be traumatic. While these interventions can be lifesaving, they can also lead to feelings of violation, helplessness, or disappointment for individuals. The sudden need for these interventions, particularly when they are unexpected, can create a profound emotional experience that may be difficult to process in the immediate aftermath of birth. Additionally, the physical recovery from surgical interventions can add to the emotional weight of the experience.
Feelings of Loss of Control or Mixed Feelings About Interventions
Many people experience a sense of loss of control during labor and delivery. Some may feel that their birth plan, which they spent time and energy preparing for, was completely disregarded. This feeling of helplessness can lead to frustration, sadness, and a sense of disempowerment. Even in cases where the birth goes smoothly, the emotional weight of giving birth in an environment where they feel they don’t have control—such as a hospital setting—can be traumatic. Feelings of confusion or resentment about the medical decisions that were made without their full understanding or consent can also lead to emotional distress.
Physical Pain and Suffering
Birth is a physically demanding process, and for many, the pain of labor can be overwhelming. For those who experience intense or prolonged pain without adequate support, the trauma can be both physical and emotional. Some individuals may struggle to process the memory of physical suffering, which can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress. The lingering pain after childbirth, especially when there are complications like tearing or perineal injuries, can also add to the emotional trauma. There are also interventions that can lead to not being able to feel your legs which can be traumatic.
Unkind or Dismissive Language from Birthing Staff
The language and tone of the birthing staff can play a significant role in shaping the emotional experience of childbirth. Unfortunately, many individuals experience unkind or dismissive language, which can feel belittling, shaming, or even traumatizing. Negative comments, lack of empathy, or dismissive attitudes toward the birthing parent’s needs can significantly impact their ability to process the experience in a healthy way. Being made to feel as though their feelings or concerns are unimportant can lead to a deep sense of isolation, resentment, and emotional pain. The way that healthcare providers communicate with parents during childbirth has the power to either support or hinder the healing process, and the impact of harsh words can linger far beyond the delivery room.
The Long-Term Impact of Birth Trauma
It’s important to note that the impact of birth trauma isn’t just a short-term emotional reaction. For many individuals, the emotional consequences can last long after the physical healing has occurred. Birth trauma can manifest in a variety of ways, including:
Difficulty Bonding with the Newborn: For some parents, the emotional aftermath of birth trauma can make it harder to bond with their newborn. The stress, anxiety, or negative emotions associated with the birth experience may carry over into early parenthood. For example, a parent may feel anxious or overwhelmed when holding or caring for their baby, or they may experience feelings of guilt or shame for not feeling an immediate connection with their child. This can create a sense of disconnection, making it harder to form a strong, healthy bond. This is something that can be healed.
Postpartum Anxiety and Depression: One of the most common long-term effects of birth trauma is postpartum anxiety or depression. The emotional toll of a traumatic birth experience can cause significant distress, making it difficult for parents to adjust to the demands of new parenthood. The feelings of fear, helplessness, or confusion that were present during childbirth may resurface in the weeks and months following birth. Additionally, a traumatic birth experience can contribute to feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt, which are often at the core of postpartum depression.
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): In some cases, individuals may develop full-blown PTSD as a result of birth trauma. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. The trauma of childbirth may resurface in moments of stress, triggering an emotional response. Parents may also have difficulty revisiting the experience, avoiding reminders of the birth such as photos, videos, or even discussions with their partner. PTSD from birth trauma can severely affect a person's mental health and their ability to function in daily life.
Birth Trauma Varies from Person to Person
It's essential to recognize that birth trauma is highly subjective and varies tremendously from person to person. The same birth experience may feel completely different depending on the individual's emotional resilience, support systems, and expectations. While some may be able to process the experience without long-term emotional consequences, others may carry the trauma with them for years. In fact, the trauma may not even be linked directly to the birth itself, but to the circumstances surrounding it, such as feelings of powerlessness, fear, or a lack of support.
Birth Trauma Can Include Pregnancy and Postpartum Experiences
Although birth trauma is often thought of in terms of the delivery itself, it’s essential to recognize that trauma can occur during pregnancy and in the postpartum period as well. Complications during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or an early delivery, can cause significant stress, anxiety, and trauma. Likewise, the postpartum period can present its own set of challenges. Feeling unsupported in early parenting, struggling with breastfeeding difficulties, or experiencing feelings of inadequacy can all contribute to a broader experience of trauma.
Moving Forward and Seeking Healing
Understanding birth trauma is the first step in healing from it. Recognizing that it is a real and valid experience—no matter how it manifests—opens the door to healing. Therapy, support groups, and self-care techniques like bilateral stimulation and somatic resourcing can all be invaluable tools in processing and moving forward from birth trauma. With the right support, individuals can reclaim their sense of safety, control, and well-being, ultimately allowing them to heal and move forward in their parenting journey.
What is Bilateral Stimulation?
Bilateral stimulation (BLS) involves activating both sides of the brain, often through rhythmic sensory input, such as tapping or movement. This technique is commonly used in therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help individuals process traumatic memories.
Benefits of Bilateral Stimulation:
Reduced Anxiety: BLS can help decrease feelings of anxiety and distress associated with traumatic memories.
Enhanced Emotional Regulation: Engaging both hemispheres of the brain promotes emotional processing and regulation.
Improved Memory Processing: BLS aids in reprocessing traumatic memories, allowing for healthier coping mechanisms.
What is Somatic Resourcing?
Somatic resourcing focuses on connecting with the body and its sensations to facilitate healing. It emphasizes awareness of bodily experiences and can involve techniques such as mindfulness, breathwork, vizualization and grounding exercises.
Benefits of Somatic Resourcing
Increased Body Awareness: Helps individuals reconnect with their physical selves, which can be lost during traumatic experiences.
Stress Reduction: Techniques promote relaxation and can alleviate stress associated with trauma.
Empowerment: Encourages individuals to reclaim their bodies and experiences, fostering a sense of control and safety.
The Synergy of Bilateral Stimulation and Somatic Resourcing
When paired together, bilateral stimulation and somatic resourcing create a powerful healing experience for those dealing with birth trauma.
Comprehensive Healing Approach: While BLS focuses on cognitive processing, somatic resourcing addresses the physical and emotional aspects of trauma, leading to a more holistic recovery.
Deepened Emotional Processing: BLS can facilitate deeper emotional release when combined with body awareness techniques, allowing individuals to process and integrate their experiences fully.
Restoration of Safety and Control: Together, these methods empower individuals to reclaim their sense of safety and control, essential components in overcoming trauma.
Research on the Effectiveness of These Methods
Numerous studies support the use of both bilateral stimulation and somatic therapies for trauma recovery. For example, research on EMDR therapy, which utilizes bilateral stimulation, shows that it can help individuals reprocess distressing memories, reduce anxiety, and help them move toward healthier coping mechanisms.
Similarly, somatic therapies have been found to be highly effective for treating trauma by helping individuals reconnect with their bodies and alleviate physical symptoms of stress. A study published in the International Journal of Stress Management found that somatic techniques significantly reduce symptoms of trauma, including anxiety and hypervigilance.
Additionally, in my experience in my practice, combining bilateral stimulation with somatic resourcing has been extremely effective in treating birth trauma. I am consistently humbled by how this treatment can create such a big change for the people I work with. When they first come to me, the birth trauma is a very triggering experience and by the end, it loses its charge or triggered feeling. It is truly amazing!
Practical Steps to Get Started with Bilateral Stimulation and Somatic Resourcing
If you’re a new parent struggling with birth trauma, there are ways you can start using these techniques on your own. Here are some simple exercises to try at home:
Bilateral Stimulation with Tapping: Tap on your knees or alternate tapping on your arms. Focus on your breath as you do this, and allow yourself to feel and release any emotions that arise. Do this 10 times.
Somatic Resourcing: While you are tapping imagine a figure that makes you feel supported or protected. Really feel the support or protection.
Notice your body: How do you feel after imagining this and tapping
Practice: The more you practice this technique, the more it will become established in your brain and help you regulate your nervous system, which is crucial in healing trauma.
Healing Birth Trauma: Reclaiming Your Body and Mind
Healing from birth trauma isn’t about “getting over it.” It’s about processing the experience in a way that honors your emotions, restores your sense of control, and helps you move forward. It’s about reclaiming your power and reclaiming your relationship to your body and your child. By utilizing techniques like bilateral stimulation and somatic resourcing, you can begin to heal from the inside out.
Healing from birth trauma is a journey that requires compassion, patience, and the right tools. Bilateral stimulation and somatic resourcing offer promising pathways to recovery, helping individuals process their experiences and regain a sense of empowerment.
Conclusion
Are you interested in learning more about healing birth trauma? If you're looking for support in implementing these strategies or have other parenting concerns, consider booking a consultation with our practice, Dr. Maya Weir at Thriving California. Schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation to discuss your concerns or ask questions about bilateral stimulation & somatic resourcing for healing birth trauma. Use this link to book a free consultation with us. Let's navigate this together. If you are unsure if you have experienced birth trauma, you can learn more here about the signs.