Overcoming Birth Trauma:

Overcoming Birth Trauma
A Somatic Approach to Healing for Parents and Babies
Brad Beldner  SEP, GCFT, NCTMB 

Giving birth is often described as a transformative experience, but for some parents, it can also be deeply traumatic.

Whether due to medical complications, unexpected interventions, or feelings of powerlessness, birth trauma can leave lasting emotional and physical imprints on both parents and babies.
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​In my over 30 years as a somatic psychology practitioner, I’ve seen how somatic techniques can offer a gentle, effective path to healing these wounds, helping families rediscover safety, connection, and joy.

If you’re a parent in Palo Alto, CA, or anywhere in the world seeking support, this article explores what birth trauma is, its impact, and how somatic approaches can help you and your baby heal.

What Is Birth Trauma?

Birth trauma refers to distressing experiences during pregnancy, labor, or delivery that overwhelm a parent’s or infant’s ability to cope.
For parents, this might include:

• Physical distress, such as emergency C-sections or prolonged labor.
• Emotional overwhelm, like feeling unheard by medical staff or fearing for your baby’s safety.
• Loss of control, which can trigger anxiety or helplessness.

For babies, birth trauma can stem from intense interventions (e.g., forceps delivery) or separation from parents post-birth, potentially affecting early bonding. Research suggests that up to 45% of women perceive their birth experience as traumatic, with 4-6% developing postpartum PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, or avoidance of triggers (e.g., hospitals).

Infants, while unable to verbalize, may show signs of trauma through excessive crying, feeding difficulties, or challenges with self-regulation. These early experiences can influence attachment patterns, impacting long-term emotional development.

How Birth Trauma Affects Parents and Babies Birth trauma often manifests differently for parents and babies, but its effects are deeply interconnected:

• For Parents: Trauma can lead to postpartum depression, anxiety, or PTSD. You might feel disconnected from your baby, struggle with intrusive memories, or experience physical tension (e.g., tightness in the chest). These symptoms can strain relationships and make parenting feel overwhelming.
• For Babies: Trauma may disrupt an infant’s nervous system, leading to hyperarousal (e.g., difficulty settling) or dissociation (e.g., appearing overly calm). This can affect bonding, as babies may struggle to feel safe in their caregiver’s presence.

The good news? Somatic psychology offers tools to address these challenges by working directly with the body’s stored trauma, fostering healing for both parent and child.
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The Power of Somatic Healing for Birth Trauma, Somatic psychology recognizes that trauma isn’t just a mental experience—it’s held in the body.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, somatic approaches use gentle, body-based techniques to release stored stress and restore balance to the nervous system. Here’s how they help:

1. Regulating the Nervous System: Trauma can leave the body stuck in “fight, flight, or freeze” mode. Somatic/ Neurological processing Techniques like regulating exercises or somatic touch (Somatic Experiencing, Feldenkrais & Craniosacral) techniques help parents and babies shift into a calmer state, reducing anxiety and hypervigilance.
2. Rebuilding Safety: For parents, somatic practices can restore a sense of control and safety. For babies, gentle touch from a trained practitioner or parent can soothe their nervous system, fostering trust.
3. Strengthening Bonding: Somatic techniques, such as holding exercises or co-regulated breathing, help parents and babies attune to each other, repairing attachment disruptions caused by trauma.
4. Processing Stored Trauma: By focusing on bodily sensations (e.g., tightness, warmth - Presenting  body sence of Fight/Flight/Freeze), somatic therapy allows parents to release unresolved emotions without reliving the trauma. For babies, these methods support early emotional regulation.

In my Palo Alto, CA office and online sessions worldwide, I’ve witnessed parents rediscover joy in parenting and babies grow more settled after somatic interventions. These techniques are gentle enough for newborns yet powerful enough to address deep-seated trauma.

A Simple Somatic Practice to Try at Home:

To give you a taste of somatic healing, here’s a beginner-friendly exercise for parents. (Always consult a professional for personalized guidance, especially for infants.)

Grounding Breath for Parents

1. Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor. Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly.
2. Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds, feeling your belly expand. Notice any tension in your body.
3. Exhale gently through your mouth for 6 seconds, letting your shoulders soften.
4. Repeat for 5 breaths, observing how your body feels more anchored with each cycle.

This practice helps calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and creating a safe space for bonding with your baby. For infants, a trained somatic practitioner can guide parents in gentle touch techniques to promote relaxation.

Healing Together: Support for Palo Alto and Beyond Birth trauma doesn’t have to define your parenting journey.

With over three decades of experience blending somatic psychology, bodywork, and wisdom traditions, I offer personalized support to help families heal. Whether you’re in Palo Alto, CA, or joining me online from the U.S. or internationally, my approach is tailored to your unique needs.

In my private practice, I provide:

• One-on-one sessions to process parental trauma and rebuild confidence.
• Virtual classes and consultations for families worldwide, offering somatic tools for trauma recovery.

Ready to start healing?

Contact me to schedule a consultation. Together, we can help you and your baby find peace and connection.


Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or therapeutic advice. Consult a qualified practitioner for personalized care.

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