Birth Trauma & Postpartum Mental Health
When birth feels like a wound instead of a beginning
The birth you planned and the birth you experienced can feel very different, and that difference matters. If your labor or delivery didn't go the way you imagined — decisions were made for you, your body felt out of control, or the moment you expected to be joyful felt frightening or empty — then you may be carrying shock, shame, or a quiet anger that doesn't fit the story you thought you'd tell. Those feelings are real, and they deserve to be cared for.
What this can look like in everyday life
Some parents carry vivid memories of frightening moments from labor. Others carry a slow, persistent ache, a sense that something about the experience feels off.
You might find yourself replaying scenes, blaming yourself for choices that were out of your control, or feeling ashamed that the joy you expected didn’t arrive.
Postpartum mental health struggles show up in many ways: depression that makes mornings feel impossible, anxiety that tightens around every decision, sudden waves of anger, a persistent sense of being overwhelmed, or intrusive thoughts that leave you fearing something bad might happen to your baby, even when they’re safe.
On top of that, life keeps moving. There are meals, diapers, work demands, siblings, and household tasks. You may feel isolated because other parents seem to be managing, or because people tell you to “be grateful” and move on. You may also feel yourself pulling away from your partner or resenting how uneven the emotional and physical load feels. All of this can make you quieter, more guarded, and more convinced that you’re the only one who didn’t get the happy ending you imagined.
How I work with parents after a difficult birth
My approach is trauma‑informed, practical, and paced to the realities of postpartum life. I combine evidence‑based skills with deeper trauma processing so you can feel steadier in the moment, confident, and grounded over time.
In our work together, we'll:
Tell the story your way. You'll have a space to name what happened without judgment, to sort through the details, and to be heard for the parts that feel raw or confusing.
Stabilize your nervous system. I teach short, effective tools you can use between feeds, during night wakings, or in the few minutes you have between responsibilities. These strategies are designed to fit into real life.
Process the traumatic elements of the birth experience when you're ready, using Brainspotting and other trauma‑informed methods to access experiences that words alone may not reach.
Address maternal mental health symptoms with practical plans for managing depression, anxiety, and mom rage, and with support for reconnecting to your partner and your baby.
Include partners when helpful so the household can share the load, improve communication, and create a realistic plan for support.
Sessions are grounded, straightforward, and respectful of your time. I meet you where you are with steady care that honors both your emotional needs and your daily responsibilities.
Why this approach helps
Perinatal‑specific training.
I've completed specialized training in perinatal mental health and trauma care, so I bring clinical knowledge that understands the unique biology and relational shifts of postpartum life.
Tools that fit your life.
The strategies we practice are short, practical, and usable between feeds, during short breaks, and while managing household tasks. Therapy should make life easier, not add more to your plate.
Family‑centered care.
When partners are involved, we focus on communication, shared responsibility, and rebuilding safety at home so recovery doesn't fall on one person alone.
Access beyond talk.
Brainspotting helps reach the parts of experience that feel stuck in the body. For many parents, this work reduces intrusive memories and creates space for new ways of feeling.
Compassion without minimization.
You won't be told to "just be grateful." I'll listen, validate, and help you build a plan that honors your experience and your responsibilities.
Many parents I work with describe a shift after a few sessions: intrusive memories feel less sharp, sleep becomes more restorative, and the space between feeling triggered and responding grows. Partners often report clearer communication and a shared plan that reduces daily friction.
Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care by Postpartum Support International
Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy by Postpartum Support International
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional by Evergreen Certifications
Brainspotting Phase 1 by Pacific Trauma Center
Brainspotting Phase 2 by Pacific Trauma Center
Brainspotting Phase 5 by David Grand
Trained in Imago Module 1 and 2
Trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed
Upcoming: Imago Module 3 Winter 2026
Birth Trauma and Postpartum Mental Health Trainings I've Completed:
You don't have to carry that alone.
If your birth left you feeling shaken or angry, if postpartum life feels heavier than you expected, or if anxiety or mom-guilt keep you from enjoying your child, let's start with a brief, free 20‑minute consult to talk about what you're facing and whether we're a good fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Online therapy sessions take place through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. You will receive a private link before your appointment and can join from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable talking.
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Yes. If you are located in a state where your therapist is licensed to practice, online therapy services may be available. Virtual counseling allows you to access professional support from the comfort and privacy of your home without the need to travel to an office.
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Birth trauma refers to emotional or psychological distress related to pregnancy, labor, delivery, or the postpartum experience. While many people expect childbirth to be joyful, difficult or unexpected experiences can leave lasting emotional effects. Birth trauma can occur after emergency interventions, medical complications, feeling unheard by medical providers, a traumatic birth experience, or concerns for the health of the parent or baby.
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You may be experiencing birth trauma if you find yourself replaying your birth experience, feeling anxious when thinking about labor or delivery, avoiding conversations about birth, experiencing nightmares, feeling disconnected from your baby, or becoming emotionally overwhelmed when reminded of your experience. Many parents also report feelings of guilt, shame, anger, grief, or sadness after a traumatic birth.
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Birth trauma can result from many different experiences, including emergency cesarean sections, unexpected medical complications, severe pain, loss of control during labor, feeling unsupported by healthcare providers, premature birth, NICU stays, pregnancy loss, or fear for your own safety or your baby's safety. Every person's experience is unique, and what feels traumatic to one individual may differ from another.
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Yes. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to process difficult emotions, understand your experience, and work toward healing. Many clients find relief through therapies that address trauma, anxiety, grief, and emotional regulation. Therapy can help you move forward without minimizing what you have been through.