From "What's Wrong?" to "What Happened?": Embracing Trauma-Informed Care in Perinatal Mental Health
As a perinatal mental health therapist, one of the most powerful shifts I've witnessed in our field is the growing embrace of trauma-informed care. This isn't just a buzzword; it's a fundamental change in how we approach support for expecting and new parents, moving away from the often-blaming question of "What's wrong with you?" to the deeply compassionate and insightful "What happened to you?"
This shift is particularly vital in the perinatal period – pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum – a time of immense vulnerability and transformation. For many, this journey can trigger past traumas, or even become a traumatic experience itself.
What is Trauma-Informed Care?
At its core, trauma-informed care recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery. It integrates this knowledge into all aspects of service delivery. Instead of focusing solely on symptoms, we explore the underlying experiences that might be contributing to a parent's distress.
Think about it: a new mom struggling with severe anxiety might be told to "just relax" or "enjoy this time." A trauma-informed approach, however, would consider if she has a history of medical trauma, sexual abuse, or a previous difficult birth that is now surfacing as heightened fear around her body, medical procedures, or even bonding with her baby.
The core principles of trauma-informed care include:
Safety: Creating a physically and emotionally safe environment where clients feel secure and respected. This is paramount, especially for birthing individuals who may have experienced a loss of control in previous medical settings.
Trustworthiness & Transparency: Building trust through clear communication, consistent boundaries, and honesty about the therapeutic process.
Peer Support: Recognizing the healing power of shared experience and connecting clients with others who have navigated similar challenges.
Collaboration & Mutuality: Shifting from a hierarchical "expert" model to a partnership with the client, empowering them to actively participate in their healing journey and make informed choices.
Empowerment, Voice & Choice: Giving clients agency and control over their treatment, helping them regain a sense of power that trauma often diminishes.
Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues: Acknowledging and addressing the impact of cultural, historical, and gender-based oppression on an individual's experience of trauma and healing.
Why is Trauma-Informed Care Crucial for Perinatal Mental Health?
The perinatal period can be a unique intersection where past and present vulnerabilities collide. Here's why a trauma-informed lens is so essential:
High Prevalence of Trauma: Many individuals entering pregnancy and parenthood have experienced trauma in their lives, whether it's childhood abuse, relationship violence, medical trauma, or previous birth trauma. These past experiences can significantly impact current mental health, body sensations, and even birth preferences.
Vulnerability in Pregnancy and Birth: The physical and emotional changes of pregnancy, the intensity of labor and delivery, and the demands of postpartum can re-activate feelings of helplessness, fear, or loss of control associated with prior trauma.
Preventing Re-traumatization: A trauma-informed therapist is acutely aware of how language, environment, and even standard procedures can inadvertently trigger or re-traumatize a client. By understanding this, we can adapt our approach to minimize distress and promote healing.
Holistic Healing: Trauma affects the mind and body. Trauma-informed care encourages holistic healing, integrating techniques that address both the emotional and physiological impacts of trauma.
Improved Outcomes: When parents feel safe, respected, and empowered, they are more likely to engage in therapy, adhere to treatment plans, and experience better mental health outcomes, leading to stronger parent-infant bonding and healthier family dynamics.
How to Find a Trauma-Informed Perinatal Mental Health Therapist
If you're an expecting or new parent seeking support, actively look for a therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health and emphasizes a trauma-informed approach. Here are some questions to ask:
"Do you have training in trauma-informed care, and how do you integrate it into your practice?"
"What is your approach to supporting clients with a history of trauma during pregnancy and postpartum?"
"How do you ensure a safe and empowering environment for your clients?"
"Are you familiar with specific trauma therapies like EMDR or Somatic Experiencing?" (While not all trauma-informed therapists use these, it indicates a deeper understanding of trauma treatment.)
You are not alone. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or intrusive thoughts during your perinatal journey, know that help is available. Seeking a trauma-informed perinatal mental health therapist means you'll be met with understanding, compassion, and a focus on healing what happened to you, so you can embrace the joys of parenthood with greater peace and resilience.
Kait Towner, LMHC, RPT-S, CCPT, PMH-C is dedicated to providing trauma-informed care for expecting and new parents. I believe in creating a safe, supportive space where your unique experiences are honored and your healing journey is prioritized. Contact me today for a consultation.
