You know you will need physical recovery after giving birth, but what you may not realize is that giving birth can also cause psychological damage. Since these injuries take place out of the view of the world, it’s easy to forget that you need techniques and help to heal.
It’s not wise to parent in a bubble if you don’t have to. Instead of taking on all the chores you had before giving birth, Stanford Children’s Health suggests that you have a spouse, parent, or friend help you out. You are the only one who can take care of your child the way a mother does, but anyone can wash the dishes or do the laundry. Don’t isolate yourself or feel like being a good mom means being a superwoman who does every little thing. Take time to let your body and mind heal and prioritize taking care of yourself and your baby.
Birth injuries are a major reason that women suffer emotionally after giving birth. It’s hard enough when labor and delivery don’t go as planned, but it’s especially difficult if mom or her baby is injured as well. According to The Law Offices of George Salinas, if a medical professional was negligent, the mother may be entitled to compensation for her suffering. There is nothing wrong with seeking compensation for a birth injury, especially if you are suffering because of it. Physical damage can cause psychological damage, and you should find out if you are eligible for compensation.
One of the best things you can do to deal with emotional trauma is to talk to mothers who already have experience with it. No matter why they felt traumatized after giving birth, moms who have been through it will understand and offer a non-judgmental, safe place to vent about your feelings. You may think everyone else’s births went just as they planned, but that’s simply not true. There are support groups and places for moms who need help recovering from whatever sort of damage giving birth caused them. Seek these groups out, or simply grab coffee with a mom you know has similar struggles. According to Brit + Co, the connection to another person will lift you as you realize you are not alone in your recovery efforts.
Psychological damage needs to be taken just as seriously as physical damage, so don’t ignore your state of mind after giving birth. Reach out, ask for help, and do what you need to do to heal properly.
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