Birth as Restorative

J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc. 2018 Mar/Apr;24(2):153-154. doi: 10.1177/1078390317734632. Epub 2017 Nov 17.

Abstract

A woman's past history of sexual trauma is inextricably woven into her pregnancy and birth experience. Two cases are presented by a practicing certified nurse midwife to demonstrate trauma-informed care in the childbearing setting. Providing trauma-informed care universally in the women's healthcare setting is imperative given not all women disclose their history. Empowering survivors may allow for a restorative birth, in which trust of one's own body can be regained.

Keywords: childbirth; sexual abuse; trauma; trauma-informed care.

Publication types

  • Personal Narrative

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Midwifery
  • Parturition / psychology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Sex Offenses / psychology*
  • Young Adult