CG How Birth Traumas Can Influence a Baby's Ability to Optimally Feed -

How Birth Traumas Can Influence a Baby’s Ability to Optimally Feed

Every mother’s childbirth experience is different. Two people could have the same birth experience with different outcomes. Some parents will experience birth difficulty or trauma during and after the birthing experience. Research has shown that up to 45% of new mothers have reported experiencing birth trauma.¹ This can lead to something called postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Who is at Risk for Postpartum PTSD?

Any real or perceived difficulties or trauma at birth can lead to postpartum PTSD. Individuals who have experienced early traumatic events (e.g., past abuse) may be at a greater risk for postpartum PTSD. Childbirth experiences that could cause or trigger postpartum PTSD include:²

Unplanned cesarean birth
Use of vacuum or forceps during birth
Induction (medical assistance to start labor/contractions)
Long and/or painful labors
Baby needing to go to the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) after being born
Complications during or after birth such as perineal tearing, unplanned hysterectomy, hemorrhaging (losing a lot of blood during/after birth), and/or cord wrapped around baby’s head
Lack of support before, during or after delivery and/or feeling powerless during the birthing process

Symptoms of Postpartum PTSD may include:

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

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please reach out to a trusted healthcare provider to receive immediate help. Aeroflow Breastpumps is partnered with Canopie, an app that offers mental health support for new mothers by providing evidence-based programs to prevent and address symptoms of anxiety and depression in expecting and new mothers on a digital platform. However, the symptoms of postpartum depression are more severe and last longer. You may feel hopeless, lose interest in your baby or have thoughts of hurting yourself. If you experience any of these thoughts, it is very important you contact your trusted healthcare provider to get the help you need.

Lactation & Birth Trauma

Following a traumatic birth, lactation may need more support to be successful. However, researchers have found the risk of postpartum PTSD among mothers who exclusively (offered no other food or liquid) breastfed was substantially lower than partially breastfeeding mothers at around 2 months after childbirth.³ A trained lactation consultant can assist you to help you meet your lactation goals.

Ideas to help meet your lactation goals after a difficult or traumatic birth experience:^4,5,6,7

Skin-to-skin with your baby on your chest to assist in stabilizing their temperature, blood glucose and heart rate. This will also help to start the process of making your milk. Any post-birth procedure that needs to be done on your baby can be done while your baby is on your chest if the baby is healthy.
If you had a cesarean birth, breastfeed as soon as possible after birth, and try different positions (e.g., football hold, laid back hold) as they may be more comfortable while you are recovering.
Keep your baby near you so you can respond to their feeding cues.
If you are unable to be near your baby because your baby is in the NICU, express your milk with a pump. Work with a lactation consultant on the best type of pump for you, how to pump, and how to safely store your milk.
Feed or express your milk every 2 to 3 hours to help to increase and maintain your milk supply.
If your baby is experiencing weak latch, rooting (finding and latching onto nipple) or suck due to labor medications, meet with a lactation consultant before you go home from the hospital to receive tips for lactation success.
Avoid artificial nipples (e.g., pacifiers) unless medically warranted; have a discussion with your baby’s healthcare provider about why it is needed especially if they are admitted to the NICU.
If you have to use antibiotics before, during or after delivery, you may want to consider taking a probiotic to help restore your healthy gut bacteria. You may want to speak with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian nutritionist about the best type of probiotic for you.
If it is recommended you take medication after delivery, talk with your healthcare provider, pharmacist or lactation consultant about the safety of the medication during lactation to assist you in making an informed decision.
Have a support person with you to help you in caring for your baby and caring for you as you recover from birth, so you can eat well, drink plenty of fluids, and rest. It is important for your needs to be met so you can ask for the things you and your baby need to heal and meet your lactation goals.

How Can I Reduce My Chance of Birth Trauma?

Unfortunately, there is no way to completely eliminate risk factors and situations that are out of your and your healthcare providers control. However, there are a few ways to reduce the risk of birth trauma:⁴

Prepare for childbirth: Attend a prenatal class with your support partner to learn about the birthing process and ways to support your lactation journey.
Try to have realistic expectations: Having a birth plan and communicating your birth plan to your healthcare team during your prenatal visits and when going into labor can assist you in having your voice heard. Also understanding your birth plan may have to change for the safety of you and your baby is also important.
Support: Surround yourself before, during and after childbirth with people who can support you and know your wishes so they can be your voice if you are not able to share those wishes during the childbirth process. Also seeking out the assistance of a mental health provider if you are experiencing any anxiety or depressive symptoms at any time is important for you and your baby.

Many times birthing parents/mothers will suffer in silence because of feeling ashamed or feel they are a failure as a parent, do not do this – seek out the support you need. Please know this article does not replace the advice of a trusted healthcare provider, reach out to yours if you have any questions or concerns regarding your birthing process and birth experience.

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

Birth and Breastfeeding
Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep

To register for these classes (this class), log into your portal or click here.

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

https://www.hersourcehealth.com/aeroflow-care-guides/ ‎

References