Healing Reproductive Trauma Using EMDR
By Emmie Mai, LPC, PMH-C
You may have seen it on social media, heard about it from a friend, or read about it in Prince Harry’s latest book. Though it has been around since the 1980s, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy suddenly seems to be a part of pop culture.
EMDR can be an effective treatment for those who have experienced trauma or suffer from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), including those who have experienced trauma while pregnant or while giving birth.
What does birth trauma look like?
Birth trauma comes in many forms. Below are several examples of common scenarios associated with birth trauma:
- Emergency C-Sections
- Babies that Arrive Earlier than Expected
- NICU Stays
- Tearing or Other Injuries Sustained during Delivery
- Health Complications for Baby or Birthing Person
- Infant Loss
It is important to note that trauma can also occur when the mother feels uncared for or unheard by medical professionals during the birth. Often people who have experienced birth trauma will express feeling stuck in the past and have difficulty moving forward with their lives.
Can men or partners have birth trauma?
Yes! Witnessing your partner or baby going through a traumatic event can also be traumatizing to you. You do not have to have given birth to suffer from birth trauma.
How can EMDR be a helpful treatment for birth trauma?
Think of your brain as a large filing cabinet that categorizes different memories. When a trauma occurs, the brain may not know how to file these memories and so they end up on the floor. We stumble across these memories frequently, which causes us distress. Through the process of EMDR, we can file these memories in the correct place. We do not forget the memory and can pull out the file whenever we like, but it now has a correct categorization and we no longer stumble across it all the time.
Imagine a mom who blames herself for a miscarriage she could not have prevented. Through the process of EMDR, we can correctly file these memories under ‘I am not responsible.’ A birthing person who feels powerless whenever they think about their emergency c-section may be able to recategorize those related memories as ‘I am okay now.’ I tell clients frequently that we cannot change what happened to them, but we can change what they think about themselves in relation to what happened.
How do I find an EMDR therapist who works with birth trauma?
You can find an EMDR-trained therapist through the EMDR International Association’s directory. Look for a therapist who has their PMH-C through Postpartum Support International (PSI) or has taken trainings through PSI.
You can also search Postpartum Support International’s Directory and filter results by selecting EMDR under Treatment Modality.
How can I get additional help if I have experienced birth trauma?
PSI has a support group for those who have experienced birth trauma.
The PSI HelpLine is another resource to utilize if you need help finding the right provider or have additional questions.
About the Author
Emmie Mai, LPC, PMH-C
Emmie is a mother, mental health counselor, and trained doula. She owns New Morning Counseling, a practice in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, focused on helping women heal from trauma and overwhelmed moms and caregivers find balance.
Free Online Birth Trauma Support Group
