Research paper on traumatic birth experiences and PPD

[minkajane]

I'm working on a research paper for English class and I'm considering doing it on the relationship between traumatic birth experiences and PPD. If you had a traumatic birth, please share your experience with PPD (or lack thereof). Also, if you have any links to websites where this is addressed, please include them.

Thanks for your help!

[MamaChicken]

I had a traumatic induction with DS, followed by 36 hours separated from him. He was in the NICU and I was not allowed out of bed because of my blood pressure. I had PPD for several months after, but didn't get any help. I didn't have a lot of support, and didn't know to ask my family for it. Some very scary thoughts in my head at times. In fact, I was mildly depressed for about 2 years after.

With DD, I had a beautiful, calm, easy birth with no complications. My MW commented that I had post-partum euphoria. This feeling barely started to fade when I PG again with the twins (due in November). I asked for, and got, all the support I really needed. I also knew when things were getting overwelming and asked for help.

Very different experiences!

[Fyrestorm]

You're welcome to read my birth horror story...link in my siggie

[jennica]

Originally Posted by minkajane

I'm working on a research paper for English class and I'm considering doing it on the relationship between traumatic birth experiences and PPD. If you had a traumatic birth, please share your experience with PPD (or lack thereof). Also, if you have any links to websites where this is addressed, please include them.

Thanks for your help!

In my opinion, the relationship between traumatic births and PPD is that health care providers and mental health workers are reluctant to diagnose PTSD for childbirth experiences. Also, PPD can be diagnosed alongside PTSD as it tends to set in with postpartum women who do not have their trauma treated in a timely manner. However, the PTSD is the primary problem, the PPD just follows because any depression in the postpartum period is diagnosed as PPD, and anyone with PTSD is going to be depressed.

I had a traumatic birth. I sought treatment at 4 months postpartum, and a few months later was diagnosed with PTSD, PPD and Anxiety by a licensed psychologist.

[honeybunch2k8]

Maybe you'd be interested in reading the book Brooke Shields wrote. She had a difficult birth experiences and experienced PPD.

[honeybunch2k8]

Originally Posted by jennica

In my opinion, the relationship between traumatic births and PPD is that health care providers and mental health workers are reluctant to diagnose PTSD for childbirth experiences. Also, PPD can be diagnosed alongside PTSD as it tends to set in with postpartum women who do not have their trauma treated in a timely manner. However, the PTSD is the primary problem, the PPD just follows because any depression in the postpartum period is diagnosed as PPD, and anyone with PTSD is going to be depressed.

I had a traumatic birth. I sought treatment at 4 months postpartum, and a few months later was diagnosed with PTSD, PPD and Anxiety by a licensed psychologist.

Agreed.

[MamaCaveBear]

Originally Posted by jennica

In my opinion, the relationship between traumatic births and PPD is that health care providers and mental health workers are reluctant to diagnose PTSD for childbirth experiences. ...However, the PTSD is the primary problem, the PPD just follows because any depression in the postpartum period is diagnosed as PPD, and anyone with PTSD is going to be depressed.

Exactly. I had a wretched experience, and severe PTSD. I had time lapses, flashbacks, very intrusive thoughts, long and severe crying bouts, it was awful. I saw 3 therapists, none of which helped. They all agreed with PTSD though.