Birth is often described as joyful, so it can be confusing when your own experience left you frightened, overwhelmed or numb. You're not alone. Many parents carry distress from a birth that didn't go the way they expected.
Signs to notice
- Replaying moments from the birth, or avoiding reminders of it.
- Feeling on edge, jumpy or unable to relax with your baby.
- Strong reactions to hospitals, medical smells or sounds.
- Guilt or shame about how you feel, even though your baby is here.
How support can help
Talking about the birth with someone who understands perinatal mental health can bring relief. For some people, EMDR helps the memory feel less vivid and less charged, so it no longer takes over the present.
Being grateful for your baby and being shaken by the birth can both be true.
If any of this sounds familiar, you deserve support. It's never too early or too late to reach out.
Licensed psychologist in Denver and online across Colorado, working with anxiety, relationships, fertility and trauma.
About EMDR therapy →This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for professional care. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.
