The impact of birth trauma on the couple relationship and related support requirements; a framework analysis of parents' perspectives

Abstract

Background: Ongoing distress following a traumatic birth experience, commonly known as birth trauma, can lead to post-traumatic stress symptoms. Experiencing birth trauma can affect personal well-being and impact the couple relationship.

Objective: The present study aimed to explore the lived experience of the impact of birth trauma on the couple relationship and related support requirements.

Methods: A purposive sample of men and women in the UK who had experienced birth as traumatic were recruited and interviewed remotely in 2021. Data were analysed using framework analysis in NVivo 12.

Results: The sample (N=18) contained 9 women who were first time parents and 9 men; 5 of which were first time parents and 4 who had two children. Twelve themes are reported related to the impact of birth trauma on the couple relationship. Findings suggest the impact of birth trauma on the couple relationship can be negative and distressing, or for some lead to a strengthened relationship. Fourteen themes are reported related to associated birth trauma support. Negative aspects of support were reported in themes: unavailability of help from friends and family; unhelpful birth debriefing services; no personal awareness of birth trauma; absence of trauma validation from health care professionals; lack of awareness of the emotional needs of men; and barriers to accessing psychological services. Potential improvements to support included: supporting parents to understand the traumatic events; birth trauma informed antenatal preparation; improving access to specialist psychological services; and compassionate parent centred maternity services.

Conclusions: The impact of birth trauma on the couple relationship appears complex with both positive and negative affects reported. Current support for the impact of birth trauma on the couple relationship has perceived inadequacies for which improvements are proposed.