Birth Shock

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.

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.