Can Dads get Birth Trauma?

Yes, birth partners can experience birth trauma. Birth trauma is not limited to the person giving birth, but can also affect those present during the birth, including partners, family members and healthcare professionals. Witnessing a traumatic birth experience can be distressing and can have long-lasting effects on mental health and well-being.

Some factors that may contribute to birth trauma for partners include feeling helpless or powerless during the birth, witnessing their loved one in pain or distress, feeling unsupported or neglected by healthcare providers, or witnessing unexpected or unwanted medical interventions.

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions have had a significant impact on birth partners and their likelihood of experiencing birth trauma. Many hospitals and birthing centers implemented restrictions, such as not being allowed to attend appointments and not being allowed to stay on wards pre and postnatally and limits on the number of people allowed to attend the birth.

For birth partners, being present during appointments and the birth is an important part of providing emotional support to the person giving birth and feeling involved in the their babies early life. Restrictions on birth partners have lead to feelings of helplessness, isolation, and disconnection from the birth experience, which can contribute to the development of birth trauma.

On top of these restrictions , many hospitals also implemented other COVID-related policies, such as mandatory testing, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), and limiting movement within the hospital. For many these additional restrictions created a stressful and unfamiliar environment and added to the feelings of anxiety and fear.

It's important for birth partners to seek support and care if they experience symptoms of birth trauma, such as flashbacks, anxiety, depression, or difficulty bonding with the baby. If you or someone you know is a birth partner who has experienced trauma during childbirth, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional or a support group for birth trauma.

You can learn more about birth trauma support here: