Ever since you found out you were pregnant, you have been dreaming up what your pregnancy and postpartum journey would look like. The sonograms, the kicks, the delivery, the cuddles with your baby… But for many expectant and new moms, that journey is disrupted by medical trauma. From repeated procedures such as blood tests and ultrasounds to major surgeries, medical trauma can take a toll on your emotional and physical well-being.
You may have tried talking to your doctor about this during your pregnancy or after giving birth, but were met with answers that didn’t quite make sense. Or you were met with a feeling of being dismissed. That this was just what comes with pregnancy, and you should just get used to it. But medical trauma can be incredibly difficult to manage, and it’s important to find ways to take care of yourself. One of the best ways is by learning how to effectively cope with your medical trauma.
You May Feel Isolated
You're undergoing a major transformation to your identity, your body, and your life. It can be a very isolating experience. Every birth is considered a medical trauma due to the potential risks associated with it. Then when additional trauma is introduced through medical procedures it can make the experience that much more difficult. This can feel isolating as you may have no one who understands what you are going through.
This can include if you go through the trauma of a NICU stay, a pregnancy loss, or any other medical complication. All these experiences can be incredibly difficult to manage alone. You may have a support system, but do they understand the gravity of what you’re going through?
That’s Why it is Important to Create Your Own System of Support.
Finding and creating your own support systems may seem intimidating, especially when you're feeling so isolated. But finding other women who have been in your situation or others who have experienced a similar trauma can be incredibly healing. It is important to create a supportive environment around you. One example can be joining online pregnancy and postpartum support groups so that you can gain support from people who understand what you’re going through.
Identify What You Need During This Time
There may be a lot of thoughts going through your head from worrying about your baby to processing the trauma you’re going through. It can be hard to make sense of it all and to know what exactly you need during this time. But starting with the basics can be a great way to start figuring that out.
Do you have food? Are you getting enough rest? Are you able to take time for yourself? What do you need to cope with the trauma and to be able to take care of your baby? Who can you ask for help with those things? These are all important questions to ask yourself. You may find that you don’t have all the answers and that you need help from others. This is a great time to lean on your partner, family, friends, in-laws, or a postpartum doula. Seeking support from others can be incredibly helpful in managing your emotions and figuring out what you need.
Use a Multi-Disciplinary Approach
Your medical team is a key part of managing your medical trauma, but sometimes they may not be the best at managing your mental health or stress. That is why it is important to find a multi-disciplinary approach to both your physical and mental health. Think: who is your immediate support? This might be your partner, family, or close friends. Find ways to take care of yourself beyond just your medical team.
This can also include a medical trauma therapist in Washington, DC who will support you in managing the medical trauma. They will support you in identifying the underlying causes of why you are struggling. And they will help you to develop a holistic plan for managing your medical trauma and getting back on track with your postpartum journey. Plus, they can help you figure out what you need during this time and connect you with additional resources.
Perinatal Psychiatry
If you are struggling during pregnancy with depression, anxiety, or other mental health struggles, seeking out a perinatal psychiatrist is a great way to ensure you are getting the best care for yourself and your baby. Taking anti-depressants during pregnancy is safe during pregnancy. Sometimes, this can be a more effective approach than just managing things on your own. This is especially true if the medical trauma is causing major mood shifts or if you are experiencing increased symptoms stemming from your trauma.
A perinatal psychiatrist will work with you to understand what you are going through. They will help to create a plan for managing your mental health during this time and even after you give birth. This way you can ensure you are taking care of both your physical and mental health.
Breathing Exercises and Mindfulness
Having ways to take care of yourself and calm down your nervous system when you are feeling overwhelmed is key. Breathing exercises and mindfulness are great ways to help you calm down your nervous system while also helping to manage any intrusive thoughts. You can envision yourself in a peaceful environment, or start to practice deep breathing.
Distress Intolerance
Distress intolerance is also key to managing medical trauma. It can be helpful to remind yourself that “this isn’t forever,” “I can get through this,” and “this is temporary.” Reminding yourself of these affirmations can help you to stay focused on the present moment and help you to get through the tough times. Pairing these mantras with breathing exercises and mindfulness can be an empowering way to take back your power.
In the end, it’s important to understand that medical trauma is a real and valid experience that you have gone through. It is important to have compassion for yourself, as it takes time to heal and process this trauma. You are so strong, resilient, and capable of getting through this. But it's also time to stop surviving and start thriving. Take time to create your own system of support and to understand what you need during this time. Remember, you are not alone!
Learn More Ways to Cope With and Manage Medical Trauma With a Medical Trauma Therapist in Washington, DC
You can learn ways to cope with and manage your medical trauma so you can thrive during this postpartum journey. Enjoying your perinatal and postpartum time is possible, even if you have gone through a medical trauma. Working with an experienced medical trauma therapist in Washington, DC can help you create mindful ways to cope with your trauma and to start living the life you want. Your trauma and emotions are valid, and you deserve to be supported in this journey. At Greater Washington DC and New York City CBT Counseling for Women, I specialize in helping women through medical trauma, birth trauma, and complex trauma to start healing. Together we can through this and help you start thriving again. Follow the steps below to get started on your journey to healing.
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Other Mental Health Services Offered at Greater Washington DC and New York City CBT Counseling for Women
You are expecting or you are a new mother and this time can be filled with many emotions, hopes, and dreams. Having a therapist for women in Washington, DC, or New York City to help you feel validated, heard, and understood can be beneficial. Hi, I'm Kelsey Bates! I specialize in women’s health, which means I offer several mental health services geared toward helping women cope with medical trauma. At Greater Washington DC and New York City CBT Counseling for Women, I offer an array of therapeutic services for anxiety, depression, and PTSD in both Individual and Group counseling settings. I also specialize in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy in addition to CBT.