For many new parents, the birth of a child is expected to be one of life’s most joyful and transformative experiences. But for some, childbirth can be overwhelming, frightening, or even traumatic. When a birth doesn’t go to plan — involving unexpected medical interventions, feelings of helplessness, or a sense of danger to self or baby — it can leave lasting emotional and psychological scars.
At Happy Minds Psychology, our Geelong psychologists work with many parents who have experienced birth trauma. Some describe flashbacks, anxiety when visiting hospitals, or a sense of detachment from their baby or partner. Others experience guilt, shame, or distressing memories that interfere with bonding or daily life. Understanding and treating these reactions is crucial — and one of the most effective approaches we use is EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing).
Understanding Birth Trauma
Birth trauma can occur when any aspect of labour or delivery is experienced as threatening, terrifying, or violating — physically, emotionally, or psychologically. It may involve:
- Emergency caesarean sections or instrumental deliveries
- Excessive pain or blood loss
- Feeling ignored, powerless, or unheard by medical staff
- Loss of control or fear for your or your baby’s life
- Separation from your baby after birth
- Previous traumatic experiences being triggered during labour
It’s important to recognise that birth trauma is defined by your experience, not the medical outcome. Even when a birth appears “routine” on paper, the emotional impact can be profound.
Research shows that up to one in three women describe their birth as traumatic, and a smaller proportion develop post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSD) related to childbirth. Partners, too, can experience trauma from witnessing a difficult birth or feeling helpless during a crisis.
Signs and Symptoms of Birth Trauma
Some common emotional and physical signs include:
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares of the birth
- Avoidance of hospitals, medical appointments, or conversations about childbirth
- Hypervigilance or constant anxiety about your baby’s safety
- Feelings of numbness, guilt, or detachment
- Irritability, sleep problems, or difficulty relaxing
- Physical sensations or panic when reminded of the birth
For some parents, these symptoms appear immediately; for others, they emerge months later, especially when considering another pregnancy. Without support, birth trauma can affect relationships, mental health, and the transition to parenthood.
Why EMDR Therapy Works for Birth Trauma
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychological therapy recommended by the World Health Organization and the Australian Psychological Society for treating trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Rather than relying solely on talking about the experience, EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer feel as distressing or “stuck.” During EMDR, the psychologist guides the client to recall elements of the traumatic memory while using gentle bilateral stimulation — typically eye movements, tapping, or sound.
This process helps the brain re-file traumatic memories into the correct “past event” category, reducing emotional intensity and physical distress. Over time, the person can remember the birth without reliving the fear or panic associated with it.
At Happy Minds Psychology, our Geelong psychologists trained in EMDR use this therapy to help parents find relief from birth-related trauma, reclaim emotional stability, and rebuild confidence in their bodies and parenting journeys.
What an EMDR Session Looks Like
An EMDR session for birth trauma at our Geelong clinic typically involves eight structured phases:
- History and Preparation: Your psychologist will take a detailed history of your experience, current symptoms, and goals for therapy. We ensure you feel emotionally ready before beginning any trauma reprocessing.
- Stabilisation and Safety: We teach grounding and relaxation techniques so you feel in control throughout treatment.
- Assessment: Together, we identify specific target memories — for example, a moment of panic during labour, a medical procedure, or an image that still feels distressing.
- Desensitisation: Using eye movements or tapping, the psychologist guides you through brief memory recall while monitoring distress levels.
- Reprocessing: Over successive sets, the emotional charge of the memory decreases. The brain integrates the experience into a coherent, non-traumatic narrative.
- Installation: Positive beliefs (e.g., “I am safe now,” “My body did its best”) are strengthened to replace negative ones (“I failed,” “I’m broken”).
- Body Scan: We check for residual tension or distress in the body to ensure full resolution.
- Closure and Review: The session ends with grounding, reflection, and planning for ongoing self-care between sessions.
Many clients notice significant changes after just a few sessions. The goal is not to erase memory, but to remove the emotional and physiological distress linked to it.
EMDR for Partners and Secondary Trauma
Partners can also experience trauma from witnessing a frightening birth or feeling helpless while their loved one was in distress. EMDR can effectively treat secondary trauma, helping partners reduce anxiety, intrusive images, or guilt.
Supporting both parents in therapy can also improve communication, empathy, and relationship connection after a shared difficult birth.
Rebuilding Confidence and Connection After Birth
Healing from birth trauma is not only about reducing symptoms — it’s about rebuilding confidence, trust in your body, and emotional connection with your baby and partner.
At Happy Minds Psychology Geelong, we integrate EMDR with trauma-informed counselling, mindfulness, and attachment-based approaches. This holistic care helps parents feel grounded and empowered as they recover.
Common outcomes we see include:
- Relief from distressing flashbacks and nightmares
- Improved sleep and emotional regulation
- Restored confidence in healthcare environments
- Reduced anxiety about future pregnancies or birth
- Reconnection with the joy of parenting
Many clients describe EMDR as life-changing — a way of finally being free from the emotional weight of a difficult birth.
When to Seek Help
If you recognise yourself in these descriptions, or you’re unsure whether your birth experience “counts” as trauma, please reach out. You deserve support. Signs it may be time to see a Geelong psychologist include:
- Feeling emotionally “stuck” months after birth
- Avoiding medical appointments or reminders of childbirth
- Anxiety, panic, or hypervigilance around your baby’s safety
- Relationship strain or difficulty bonding with your baby
- Ongoing guilt, anger, or shame
You don’t need to face these challenges alone. Trauma recovery is possible with the right therapeutic approach and compassionate support.
Why Choose Happy Minds Psychology in Geelong
Our clinic provides specialised support for birth trauma, perinatal anxiety, and reproductive loss. Our psychologists are trained in EMDR therapy, trauma-informed care, and perinatal mental health. We offer both in-person and Telehealth sessions, allowing flexibility for parents adjusting to life with a new baby.
When you contact us, you’ll be matched with a psychologist who understands the emotional, relational, and physical layers of perinatal trauma. We walk beside you every step of the way, at a pace that feels safe and empowering.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If you’ve experienced a traumatic birth, please know that healing is possible. EMDR therapy offers an effective, compassionate pathway to recovery — helping you process what happened, release distress, and reconnect with the joy and meaning of parenthood.
Reach out to Happy Minds Psychology Geelong today to speak with a psychologist experienced in birth trauma and EMDR therapy. You don’t need to carry the weight of this experience alone.
