Postpartum PTSD: The Silent Struggle New Parents Face
When we think of the postpartum period, many imagine soft blankets, sleepy newborns, and glowing parents. But for some, this time is marked not just by sleepless nights—but by symptoms of trauma, fear, and emotional overwhelm.
What Is Postpartum PTSD?
Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after childbirth, especially when the birth experience is perceived as traumatic. While Postpartum Depression (PPD) has gained more attention in recent years, postpartum PTSD remains less discussed—yet it's just as real and just as serious.
It’s estimated that up to 9% of women experience PTSD following childbirth, and even more may have some trauma symptoms without meeting the full criteria for a diagnosis.
What Causes It?
Postpartum PTSD can result from:
A traumatic birth (e.g., emergency C-section, excessive bleeding, feeling powerless)
Poor communication or lack of emotional support during labor
Birth complications or threats to the baby’s or mother's life
Previous trauma, including sexual trauma or prior birth trauma
Infant loss or NICU experiences
Symptoms of Postpartum PTSD
Many parents experiencing postpartum PTSD report:
Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the birth
Nightmares
Avoidance of reminders of the birth (including hospitals or even the baby)
Hypervigilance or anxiety
Emotional numbness or detachment
Difficulty bonding with the baby
These symptoms can feel isolating—especially when society tells new parents they should be feeling joy and gratitude.
It Can Affect Anyone
While birthing parents are primarily affected, non-birthing partners can also experience trauma from witnessing a frightening or emergency birth. Additionally, marginalized communities—including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)—face higher rates of traumatic birth experiences due to systemic bias and inequities in maternal healthcare. Recognizing these disparities is essential to creating trauma-informed, culturally competent care.
You Are Not Alone—and There Is Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of postpartum PTSD, know that healing is possible. Trauma-focused therapy, such as EMDR or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), can be powerful tools for recovery. Support groups, partner support, and culturally sensitive counseling can make a world of difference.
How to Support a Loved One with Postpartum PTSD:
Listen without judgment.
Don’t minimize their experience (“At least the baby is healthy” can feel invalidating).
Encourage them to seek professional help.
Offer practical help (meals, chores, baby care) to reduce stress.
Be patient—healing takes time.
Final Thoughts
The postpartum period is a time of profound transformation—and for some, trauma. If you're struggling, know this: Your feelings are valid. You are not broken. And you don’t have to walk this path alone.
If you're ready to take the first step toward healing, our counseling practice is here to support you—with compassion, care, and a trauma-informed lens.
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Written by our very own: Taylor Muessig
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Counseling Student, Grand Canyon University
Supervised by Lital Diament, LMFT