Distressing birth experience

Giving birth can feel physically or emotionally traumatic, even if others say everything went well. Recovery needs acknowledgement, checks for physical problems and trauma-focused help if needed.

• Unwanted memories, nightmares or feeling that the birth is happening again.
• Avoiding conversations, check-ups, sex, pregnancy or images of childbirth.
• Tell one person you trust what you need: listening, practical help, rest or someone to come to an appointment.
• Do not force yourself to tell the full story; talk or write only when it feels safe and helpful.
• Call the same day for fever, increasing abdominal or wound pain, foul-smelling discharge or feeling unwell.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.