Sep 30, 2008 11:14 pm US/Eastern
HealthWatch: Post-Traumatic Stress & Childbirth
Study: 9 Percent Experience PTSD From Birth Trauma
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
When you think of post-traumatic stress disorder, you may think of soldiers returning from war or abuse victims. But, few people realize it can also be triggered by a difficult childbirth.
Jodi Kluchar said she still remembers the intense pain and fear she felt after a complicated emergency c-section several years ago.
"I was surprised to be awake because I thought I was going to die," Kluchar said.
Kluchar gave birth to a healthy baby boy, but nightmares and flashbacks of the delivery terrified her.
"I would cry all the time. I was just empty," Kluchar said.
When she became pregnant again, she decided she needed help. She was diagnosed not with post-partum depression, but with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
It's triggered when a mother perceives that her life or her child's life is in danger.
"During labor and delivery they feel a lack of control," birth trauma expert Cheryl Beck said.
A recent study says up to 9 percent of mothers experience PTSD from birth trauma, but medical charts often indicate a completely "normal" birth.
"A traumatic childbirth is also in the eye of the beholder," Beck said.
Symptoms include: Nightmares, irritability, avoidance, flashbacks and avoidance.
"The person is avoiding any memories or any triggers of the trauma, whether it be the hospital, the doctors and sometimes even the baby," said Dr. Sue Varma of the American Psychiatric Association.
Kluchar was unable to bond with her son. She was haunted by thoughts of hurting him and herself. By the time she gave birth to her daughter, her symptoms were under control.
"I've been in the deep dark pit that I never wanted to be in and I've made it to the other side," Kluchar said.
Treatment options for birth trauma PTSD include psychotherapy, support groups, medications and family support, but the cornerstone of a good recovery is recognizing the symptoms and being diagnosed early.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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