Healing Birth Trauma with EMDR
Childbirth is often portrayed as a joyous event, but for many, it can be deeply distressing. In Australia, one in three women report experiencing at least three trauma symptoms within 4-6 weeks postpartum, particularly following physical birth injuries (COPE, 2023). Birth trauma can lead to PTSD, anxiety, depression, and difficulties bonding with a baby, but healing is possible with the right support. One of the most effective therapies for birth trauma is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
What is EMDR?
EMDR is an evidence-based trauma therapy that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories, reducing their emotional intensity. It involves recalling traumatic events while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements or tapping), which allows the brain to integrate the experience in a less distressing way (Shapiro, 2018).
How EMDR Helps with Birth Trauma
The Australian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA) recognises EMDR as an effective treatment for postpartum PTSD and birth-related distress, helping individuals process overwhelming emotions and find relief from flashbacks, anxiety, and self-blame (ABTA, 2024). EMDR can be particularly helpful for those who experience:
- Distressing memories or flashbacks of childbirth
- Feelings of guilt, fear, or self-blame
- Anxiety around future pregnancies or medical settings
- Difficulties bonding with their baby
Evidence Supporting EMDR for Birth Trauma
Australian research highlights EMDR’s effectiveness in treating birth trauma. A randomised controlled trial found that EMDR significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in postpartum individuals (de Bruijn et al., 2022). The COPE Centre of Perinatal Excellence also recognises EMDR as a valuable therapeutic approach for supporting maternal mental health (COPE, 2023).
Additionally, Australian EMDR practitioners have successfully adapted online EMDR therapy, making it more accessible for those in remote or rural areas (Fiona Rogerson, 2023).
Birth trauma is real, but healing is possible. If your birth experience left you feeling overwhelmed or traumatised, EMDR can help reprocess painful memories and restore emotional well-being.
If you’re interested in learning more about how EMDR could support your healing journey, reach out to a trauma-informed therapist near you.
💛
Anne
References
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Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE). (2023). Psychological birth trauma: Health professional fact sheet.Retrieved from COPE
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Australian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA). (2024). EMDR: The therapy that can help you overcome your flashbacks and nightmares. Retrieved from ABTA
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Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Third Edition: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Press.
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de Bruijn, K., van Steijn, M. E., de Jongh, A., et al. (2022). Effectiveness of EMDR therapy for postpartum women with a traumatic birth experience: A randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 13(1), 2040789. Retrieved from Taylor & Francis Online
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Fiona Rogerson Psychology. (2023). Online EMDR therapy. Retrieved from Fiona Rogerson