What is birth trauma and how can it affect babies?

Birth trauma occurs when a baby goes through a traumatic experience during birth. This can be the case with difficult births or medical procedures, such as a cesarean section. It is important to understand that trauma occurs when an individual is left unable to react in a situation and the system goes into survival mode.

For babies, birth trauma can have an impact on their psychological development. They communicate their experiences primarily through crying, which is an important means of communication. A traumatized baby may feel insecure and anxious, and may have difficulty relaxing and sleeping.

Communication and Relaxation: Keys to Supporting a Traumatized Baby

To support a traumatized baby, effective communication is crucial. Babies need loving and reassuring words, as well as physical touch, to develop a sense of safety and security. Using gentle, soothing sounds can also help soothe the baby.

Relaxation is another important element in supporting a traumatized baby. Achieving REM sleep, in which the baby can relax and regenerate, is of great importance for his healthy development. This can be achieved by creating a calming environment, for example through dim lighting and quiet soundscape.

Techniques such as butterfly massage to help the baby cope with the birth dream

There are several approaches and techniques that can be used to help babies cope with birth trauma. An effective method is the butterfly massage. Gentle stroking movements are performed on the baby’s back to release unstored tension and anxiety. This massage can help the baby relax and develop a sense of security.

The Impact of Birth Trauma on Parent-Child Bonding and Approaches to Coping and Healing

Birth trauma can also affect the bond between the mother (and/or father) and the child. Parents may have feelings of guilt and sadness, and may be unsure of how to deal with their traumatized baby. However, through supportive and empathetic accompaniment, the mother-child bond can be strengthened and healing promoted.

It is important that both the mother and the baby are given the space to express and process their feelings. This can be done through conversations with other mothers, therapists, or support groups. There are also specialized programs and approaches aimed at strengthening the mother-child bond and mitigating the effects of birth trauma.

Overall, it is important to take the issue of birth trauma seriously and understand its impact on the development of babies. Through effective communication, relaxation techniques such as butterfly massage, and mother-child bonding, affected babies and mothers can experience positive development and healing.

Fathers are not immune to mental illness

One of the outstanding findings of this study is that fathers can also develop mental illness during their partner’s pregnancy and after childbirth. The transition to the role of father is a significant change in a man’s life, and this change can lead to a mental illness for the first time or trigger a pre-existing condition.

Common mental illnesses in fathers

The study shows that peripartum anxiety disorders and depression are relatively common among fathers, with a prevalence of about 5%. These conditions can significantly affect the well-being and quality of life of affected fathers.

But it’s not just anxiety and depression that are an issue. The study also highlights that other mental disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma from childbirth, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder and even psychotic episodes can occur in fathers in the peripartum period.

Effects on children

Parents’ mental health plays a crucial role in their children’s well-being. The study shows that the father’s mental illness can have a negative impact on the children. This highlights the importance of early childhood development and the family environment.

Lack of support and need for research

Despite the relevance of this topic, there are hardly any specific screenings, preventive measures or treatment offers for affected fathers. The study highlights the urgent need for more research to deepen the understanding of mental illness among fathers around the birth of a child and to develop effective interventions.

Final Thoughts

More attention should be paid to the mental health of fathers in the peripartum period, as fathers play an important role for their partners and children. It is of great importance that society and health care take this issue seriously and provide the necessary resources to support the mental health of fathers.

The study also highlights that a holistic family perspective is crucial in research, as the mental health of both parents is inextricably linked. It is time to raise awareness of the challenges fathers face in the peripartum period and develop solutions to promote their mental health and, in turn, the well-being of their families.

Source

Garthus-Niegel, S., Kittel-Schneider, S. Fathers and Peripartum Mental Illness: The Overlooked Parent?. Neurologist 94, 779–785 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00115-023-01508-1