How Can You Support a Loved One Who Has Experienced a Traumatic Birth?

Nothing is more exciting than hearing that someone whom you love is expecting. Whether it is your sibling, a best friend from college, or a coworker with whom you have grown close, you will likely be thrilled at the news and wish only the best for both Mom and baby.

Although a lot of women are fortunate enough to have a beautiful birth experience, many others undergo some kind of trauma during labor and delivery that can affect them for weeks, months, or even years to come. According to The Birth Trauma Association, there are dozens of risk factors of postnatal post traumatic stress disorder, including:

• Undergoing an emergency caesarean section;
• Experiencing too much or too little medical intervention;
• Having a baby with an injury or disability because of birth trauma;
• Fearing for the baby’s safety during labor and delivery; and
• Receiving poor postnatal care immediately following the birth.

If you or someone you love received substandard care before, during, or after giving birth, a New Orleans birth injury lawyer can review the case to determine if there are grounds for a claim. Turn to The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm to discuss your case with a compassionate attorney.

David A. Bowling has more than 30 years of trial experience. Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a consultation.

How Can You Support a Loved One Who Has Experienced a Traumatic Birth?

If a loved one experiences a traumatic birth, you may not know how to respond. Watching those close to you suffer is hard because you may feel utterly helpless, and depending on the circumstances, you may be experiencing some pain yourself.

Although everyone responds to trauma differently, there are a few generally accepted ways to help people cope with the kind of emotional devastation that often follows a traumatic birth. Read on for just a few of them:

1. Handle Any Essential Errands or Chores

You may be tempted to make some kind of grand gesture, but sometimes, it is the little acts that mean the most. Swing by the pharmacy or grocery store for your loved one so she does not have to, and then tackle the dishes and laundry when you stop by to drop off the groceries.

2. Talk and Then Listen

If you experienced a traumatic birth yourself, sharing the story may provide some comfort, but you should also set aside time just to listen to your friend. Let her vent, and do not worry about filling every silence with a platitude or cliché about loss.

3. Reassure Her She Is Not to Blame

Even if your loved one was not directly responsible for the trauma, she may feel consumed with guilt. For example, she might think if she had picked another doctor, her baby would have been healthy. Reassure her that whatever happened was not her fault.

Sadly, birth trauma is a lot more common than it should be. If you experienced a stressful labor and delivery after watching a loved one suffer birth trauma, contact The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm today.

Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a case evaluation with a birth injury attorney in New Orleans. You can learn more about birth injury claims in Louisiana by visiting USAttorneys.com.