Birth Shock: How to recover from birth trauma - why 'at least you've got a healthy baby' isn't enough

by Mia Scotland

Perhaps you had a difficult birth. Hopefully, you have a healthy baby. That, after all, is the most important thing. Or is it? So why are you struggling to move on? Why do you keep thinking about the birth or replaying it in your mind? Why do you feel guilty when other people say 'at least you have a healthy baby'? In Birth Shock, perinatal clinical psychologist Mia Scotland explains clearly what can be harmful about birth, how birth trauma can affect mothers, fathers and health professionals, and why it seems to be on the rise.

If you are suffering from the effects of a difficult birth, even if the birth doesn't sound bad to others, then this book is for you. Perhaps the birth was really bad and your baby isn't okay. Perhaps you are a partner who feels traumatised, or you are a midwife or a doctor.

In these pages you will find:
- a clear, concise, psychological explanation of what birth trauma actually is
- discussion of what causes birth trauma
- clear tips and advice on how to put yourself on the path to recovery

Birth Shock draws on what we know about trauma, PTSD and the nature of birth and maternity systems to show how you can take steps toward letting go of any guilt, self-blame or confusion that you may be feeling.

224 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2020

About the author

Mia Scotland is a Perinatal Clinical Psychologist and birth doula, working in private practice in the East Midlands, UK. She has been helping mothers deal with birth trauma, perinatal depression and anxiety for more than 20 years. Her particular passion is for the psychology of birth and motherhood, from a biopsychosocial perspective. As well as running her private practice, she teaches birth professionals about the psychology of birth internationally. She has three children, and lives in Melton Mowbray, UK.

Reviews

[Ellie Dunkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent read for someone who has experienced a perinatal traumatic event. It is kind, compassionate and full of helpful advice. I would certainly recommend it as a read for those affected by these issues and for birth workers. This is an area which we really need people to know more about. The only reason it doesn’t get 5 stars from me is that it talks about birth trauma being a feminist issue. Whilst I absolutely agree with this, this book fails to acknowledge or recognise transgender or non-gender conforming persons who could also be affected by these issues. I wish it had been slightly more inclusive.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this wasn't bad, but it felt like a bit of an ad for the type of therapy the author provides. Most of the birth trauma discussed features mothers who were not listened to while giving birth, and that's absolutely valid, but not the type of trauma I was hoping for guidance on.

CW: pregnancy, birth

[Anastasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this after experiencing my own trauma. While it’s an extremely great book, if your birth trauma (like mine) is a bit out of the “normal birth trauma” experiences (and is on the WORSE end of trauma), it can feel a little misplaced at times for your situation. The ideas, explanations and resources are all there for typical birth traumas. As far as the horrible end of things, this is more of an educational book and not a liberating one.
I appreciate someone actually empowering people to discuss birth trauma.

[Genevieve Trono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Mia Scotland is a Perinatal Clinical Psychologist and birth doula. She has worked with women and mothers for over 20 years helping to deal with birth trauma, perinatal depression, and anxiety. In Birth Shock, Scotland delves into the historical aspects and expectations of women and birth, and right from the beginning she approaches her readers with empathy and compassion.

Birth, while such a common experience, can also be such a unique and sometimes isolating experience and I loved that she recognized this right from the beginning. Birth trauma is something that can feel even more insulating as experiences can differ so greatly.

Scotland delves into the psyhoclogy of birth trauma, recovery and support systems as well as how trauma can affect other parts of your live. Finally, she discusses what thoughts and feelings might arise about a subsequent pregnancy (if that is desired). Birth Shock is packed heavily with research while also feeling very readable.

The wide array of topics make this book relatable to so many situations while also honoring the uniqueness of everyone's personal experiences . Book like this are so important and I wish something like this was available when I had our first son in 2010.

Thank you to Pinter & Martin for the gifted copy. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Carmen's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have ever read on birth trauma! As a doula this is something I am quite familiar with, but most people I discuss it with have a very hard time understanding and accepting this reality. This book talks about a very difficult topic in a way that is very honest and real, but is admittedly hard to hear at times. However, having a book that is written from the perspective of not only a fellow doula, but also a therapist and expert in the field, will be an invaluable resource for myself, my colleagues, my clients, and my friends and family. I can't wait to share this book with everyone who might have an interest in this topic!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a really fantastic resource for anyone who has struggled with or is currently struggling with birth trauma from a past birth. It is extremely informative with various practices to help heal the trauma and tips to help a pregnancy experience that follows to be less traumatic. Mia also discusses other trauma that can occur around the time of birth. I have read most pregnancy books out there, however, this one still had some unique content that I enjoyed reading about.

[Gabsalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to any mama struggling with thr story of their birth. I wish it was more talked about! It's a common problem that most women are guiltripped into hiding. The book offers lots of coping mechanisms as well as real life stories. Its very good when dealing with ptsd too. The book mentions when something may be triggering and how to pace yourself I loved that ❤

[A · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book only applies if you have a specific type of birth trauma. Who knows what would have happened if me and my baby didn't have medical intervention in a hospital setting. Not helpful to read how the medicalized setting is detrimental to the birthing process. It would have been detrimental if I had no where to go.

[Abi Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book for anyone who continues to experience trauma following a difficult birth

[Catalina Suarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and very practical advice. This really helped me after a difficult birth.

[Kim McNeice · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a textbook than a personal guide