Every mother’s pregnancy, labor, and delivery experience is different. Even when two people have similar experiences, their perceptions and outcomes can vary widely. Research shows that up to 45% of new mothers report experiencing birth trauma, which can sometimes lead to perinatal or postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PP-PTSD). Individuals who have experienced early traumatic events (e.g., past abuse) may be at an increased risk for PP-PTSD.

Events that trigger this condition vary from woman to woman and any real or perceived birth trauma can lead to PP-PTSD. For some, it may be a long, unplanned induction, the use of forceps or vacuum extraction, or an emergency cesarean delivery. For others, concerns about maternal health, underlying medical conditions, or health issues in mom or baby can bring about lingering feelings of trauma and stress. Babies can also experience birth trauma, particularly during a difficult labor, prolonged birth process, or when medical attention is needed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Each experience and individual is unique, so try not to compare or discount your experience.

Symptoms of PP-PTSD

  • Anger

  • Anxious, irritable, jumpy

  • Feeling overwhelmed

  • Panic attacks especially if you are thinking about your birth experience

  • Not eating or sleeping well

  • Negative feelings about yourself or your baby

  • Suicidal thoughts

What Can You Do To Reduce Birth Trauma?

While you can’t completely eliminate all risk factors, there are steps you can take to reduce your risks:

Prepare for Childbirth

Attend a prenatal birth and breastfeeding class with your support partner to learn about the birthing process and ways to support your breastfeeding journey. Meet prenatally with a lactation consultant to discuss any breastfeeding concerns or set up a plan to get feedings off to a good start, especially if you anticipate complications.

Create a Birth Plan

Create a birth plan with your partner and communicate your vision of your baby's birth with your healthcare team during prenatal visits and at the hospital. Your birth plan sets the tone for the support you expect to receive during your labor, delivery, and early postpartum experience. Flexibility is also important. Birth can be unpredictable, and it's important to acknowledge that your birth plan may need to change for your or your baby's safety.

Surround Yourself with Support

Surround yourself with people who know your wishes and can advocate for you during your birth. Your partner, family, friends, or doula can offer valuable support before, during, and after your baby arrives.

Support After a Difficult Birth

Even with the best intentions, after a difficult delivery you may face challenges—such as perineal lacerations, pelvic floor damage, cesarean recovery, or hemorrhage—that can make mobility and breastfeeding more difficult. Babies may experience common conditions like mild body tension or sleepiness, or more serious complications such as head trauma or facial nerve injury.

Working closely with your healthcare team—nurses, doctors, lactation consultants, and therapists—can help both you and your baby recover. Your baby may also need care from pediatricians, physical therapists, infant chiropractors, or massage therapists to support healing.

Neonatal Birth Trauma

The most common birth injuries are often minor and resolve quickly with time. Other times, babies who experience these injuries are at increased risk for complications, and in severe cases, ongoing medical attention may be needed.

  • Bruising from pressure in the birth canal

  • Scalp injuries from the use of delivery instruments

  • Brachial plexus injury or Erb’s palsy (nerve damage)

  • Fractured clavicle (collarbone)

  • Lack of oxygen during the delivery process

  • Umbilical cord complications

Supporting Your Baby

  • Work with pediatricians and physical therapy specialists to monitor recovery

  • Support your baby’s feeding and bonding while adjusting positions and routines as needed

  • Encourage gentle handling and skin-to-skin contact to promote healing and stability

Breastfeeding Support Strategies

A traumatic birth can affect both mother and baby, so additional support may be needed to achieve successful breastfeeding. A lactation consultant can help you navigate challenges, troubleshoot difficulties, and meet your breastfeeding goals. Research suggests that mothers who exclusively breastfeed may have a lower risk of PP-PTSD around two months postpartum.

The ABCs of Breastfeeding provide a simple framework to guide what matters most in the early days. After a traumatic birth, your breastfeeding plan may need to be temporarily adapted if latching isn’t going smoothly. Focus on the steps that are most time-sensitive first—small, consistent efforts can make a big difference.

A = Attachment: Building closeness and helping your baby feel secure.

  • Your hospital nurses and lactation consultants will work with you to find breastfeeding positions and latching techniques that support both you and your baby.

  • Practice rooming-in at the hospital, and after you get home. Keeping your baby close by will allow you to respond to your baby's early hunger cues and support breastfeeding.

  • Skin-to-skin helps stabilize your baby's temperature, blood sugar, and heart rate. Enjoy long snuggles with your baby in between feedings.

  • Once your body is ready, consider bathing together or wearing your baby in a wrap or infant carrier.

B = Breast Milk Production: Ensuring your body has the stimulation it needs to produce enough milk.

  • Feed frequently in the early days and weeks of life—at least 8–12 times per day.

  • If you or your baby are unable to breastfeed directly, start hand expression and pumping, ideally within the first hour of birth.

  • Aim to pump at least 8 times every 24 hours, including once or twice overnight, to mimic your newborn’s natural feeding patterns.

  • After each pump session, hand express for a few more minutes. Research shows this helps to increase milk supply and boost the fat and calorie content of your milk, which is vital for your baby’s growth.

C = Calories to Baby: Making sure your baby is getting the nourishment needed to thrive.

  • If your baby needs more milk, use alternative feeding methods like a medicine cup, spoon, or syringe in the early days to protect your breastfeeding goals.

  • Avoid artificial nipples (pacifiers and bottles) unless medically necessary, to support your breastfeeding efforts in the early days.

  • Work with your NICU team if you need help with pumping, breastfeeding, or have concerns about milk production.

More of A supports more of B, which ensures plenty of C—a simple way to keep your focus on what's most important.

Overcoming Birth Trauma & PP-PTSD

Many mothers suffer in silence, feeling ashamed, overwhelmed, or that they’ve somehow failed. Please know that these feelings are common after a traumatic birth—and they are not your fault. You deserve care, compassion, and support.

If you are feeling hopeless, losing interest in your baby, or having thoughts of harming yourself, reach out immediately to a loved one, your healthcare provider, a perinatal mental health specialist, or call 911. Help is available, and you do not have to go through this alone.

Aeroflow Breastpumps is partnered with Canopie, a mental health app for new and expecting mothers. Canopie offers evidence-based programs designed to help prevent and address symptoms of anxiety and depression. The program is free when you use the code: AEROREF.

Remember, healing takes time, and it’s okay to ask for help. Every step you take—big or small—matters. Trust yourself, reach out for support when you need it, and know that with care and guidance, both you and your baby can thrive.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.