Postnatal PTSD: When Life After Birth Feels Traumatic
Welcome to a Hidden Struggle
Giving birth can be transformative, but sometimes it can also be traumatic. While postnatal anxiety and baby blues are talked about more frequently, postnatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) remains under-recognised. Many mothers (and birthing parents) experience sudden memories, flashbacks, nightmares, or avoidance related to their birth experience and feel isolated by the expectation to be “happy” after birth.
At The Tunbridge Wells Psychologist, we support mothers who are struggling with the hidden emotional impact of childbirth. This post explores what postnatal PTSD is, how it shows up, and how therapy can help you rebuild trust in yourself and your experience.
What Is Postnatal PTSD?
Postnatal PTSD occurs when someone experiences significant distress during or after childbirth. This might include emergency interventions, loss of control, separation from your baby, unexpected complications, or feelings of helplessness.
Signs and Symptoms
Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the birth
Nightmares or disturbing thoughts
Emotional numbing, avoidance of reminders (like hospitals), or feeling “not like yourself”
Hypervigilance to your baby’s safety or your own body
Difficulty bonding, guilt, sadness, or emotional overwhelm
Why It Can Be Misunderstood
Post-birth, you may feel pressure to “be grateful” or “enjoy motherhood.” The presence of distress can feel shameful. Partners may not know how to help, and healthcare professionals may minimise the impact of trauma.
How Therapy Can Help
Trauma-informed therapy is essential in postnatal PTSD recovery. We often use:
EMDR or CBT for trauma—to reprocess the birth memory safely
CFT—Compassion-Focused Therapy—to soften shame and self-blame
Psychoeducation, parent support, body-focused relaxation
Therapy helps you rebuild safety in your body, re-establish connection with your baby.
Postnatal PTSD is a response to trauma, not a personal failing. With compassionate, evidence-based support, recovery is absolutely possible.
