Understanding Healing From Psychological Birth Trauma: A Lived Experience Perspective

Psychological birth trauma affects a significant proportion of birthing individuals globally, with estimates ranging from 18% to 45% perceiving their birth as traumatic and 4% being diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. Despite growing recognition of birth trauma, the lived experience of healing from it remains understudied.

This qualitative study employed interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore how 11 participants, purposively sampled for diverse birth trauma experiences, understood healing from birth trauma. Semistructured interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using IPA methodology.

Three main themes emerged: (1) healing as a process, not a destination; (2) healing as being at peace with the experience; and (3) healing as holding multiple truths. Participants described healing as an active, nonlinear process involving milestones, integration of the experience into daily life without being overwhelmed, and acceptance of changed priorities and emotions.

The findings highlight the importance of understanding trauma recovery as a gradual process, creating safer spaces for storytelling while respecting boundaries, and acknowledging the capacity to hold both challenging and positive emotions. The study calls for more research on birth trauma recovery centering the individual as an expert in their experience, involving diverse birthing individuals and researchers. Integrating lived experiences of healing is crucial for developing client-centered initiatives and programming to support those affected by birth trauma.