Birth Trauma Myths, with Bianca Sprague and Natasha Marchand

Today we are taking on the most common myths and concerns around birth traumas, and exploring ways to avoid them. The statistics for those who consider their birth to have been traumatic can range between 25 and whopping 49%. So, what can you do to improve the chances of having a lovely birth, and not be a part of that statistic? Bianca Sprague and Natasha Marchand tell us more. Check it out.

What we talked about:

• What is birth trauma?
• Who experiences birth trauma?
• What are some of the markers for Post-Traumatic Stress
• The 4 most common birth trauma myths
• What are the causes of birth trauma?
• Why is it a big deal?
• Why isn’t a physically healthy mom and healthy baby enough?
• Does the right birth team mean you won’t suffer birth trauma?
• What are some ways to avoid experiencing birth trauma?

Additional resources and articles:

• What is Birth Trauma?, The Birth Trauma Association
• In the Eye of the Expert: An Interview with Cheryl Beck, Science & Sensibility
• Birth trauma: in the eye of the beholder, Research Abstract
• SolaceForMothers.org – healing after traumatic childbirth
• BirthTraumaCanada.org – organization of mothers who have had negative childbirth experiences
• PATTCh – Prevention and Treatment of Traumatic Childbirth
• The Birth Trauma Association (BTA) – in the UK
• TABS: Trauma and Birth Stress – in New Zealand
• Olivia Scobie Resources, and Birth Trauma Healing Course
• Birth Monopoly Tools: including “The Empowered Consumer: Communication in the Hospital”, and “The Empowered Consumer: Hospital Policy” PDFs. (Free with email subscription – scroll to the bottom of the page)
• Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (now the Improving Birth Coalition)
• ImprovingBirth.org
• HumanRightsInChildbirth.org
• Postpartum Support International

Related Birthful episodes:

• Informed Consent, with Cristen Pascucci
• Childbirth PTSD, with Cheryl Tatano Beck
• Birth Trauma, with Jodi Hall
• Healing Your Birth Story, with Pam England
• Place of Birth as Your #1 Cesarean Risk, with Dr. Neel Shah

Courtesy of Bianca & Natasha

About Bianca & Natasha

Bianca Sprague is a birth doula and lactation educator and has supported hundreds of families through their pregnancy, birth and postpartum periods. She feels particularly passionate around maintaining the family’s relationships and mental wellness. As a queer woman she advocates for inclusive language in the birthing space. She lives in Toronto with her spouse, Alana, and their daughter, Gray.

Natasha Marchand is a pre & postnatal fitness professional and birth doula. After a long fertility journey with her first daughter, Natasha has positioned herself as a fertility expert. She specializes in working with families with a history of try to conceive through their pregnancy and postpartum period. Natasha lives in Toronto with her husband, Chris, their 6 year old daughter, Sadie, and their newly-born second daughter, who arrived in early September.
Learn more at Bebomia.com. If you are interested in becoming a doula, check out their Maternal Support Practitioner Training.

Title music: “Vibe Ace” by Kevin MacLeod, from the Free Music Archive / CC BY (edited for length).

Sponsorship music: “Air Hockey Saloon” by Chris Zabriskie, from the Free Music Archive / CC BY (edited for length).