According to the National Institute of Health up to 45% of birthing people experience their birth as traumatic. The impact of such trauma often continues long after the birth itself - negatively affecting parental mental health,  marital satisfaction, parent-child attachment, and even the developmental well-being of the child. Elements of anger, distrust and disappointment in the medical system are common responses - along with lingering feelings of self-doubt and loss of confidence.  Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are frequent in this population and may negatively influence parent-infant bonding as well as decisions about future fertility. After a traumatic birth, therapy can help:

• Allow you to tell your birth story fully, with the opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgement.

• Diminish the symptoms of posttraumatic stress or anxiety/depression relating to the birth (intrusive memories, avoidance of things that remind you of the birth, jumpiness and irritability, etc.)

• Place your strengths and vulnerabilities around the birth into a larger life context, so you can make meaning of your experience.

• Repair relationships with the baby, your partner, and your support team so you can move forward more positively.

• Discuss questions of future fertility and how to move toward another pregnancy, if desired.