Feminism After Traumatic Births

Study Five Fenech and Thomson studied how women utilize defense mechanisms after a traumatic birth. Analysis of 13 studies involving 388 women who either self-reported a traumatic birth experience or were diagnosed with PTSD following childbirth. Several defence mechanisms were identified; repression, suppression, avoidance, undoing, sublimation, reaction formation, displacement, turning against the self, regression and somatisation. The way women use the defense mechanisms varies and can be difficult to discern between them. “Women try to ‘repress’ the memories of the traumatic birth and if this fails, they actively attempt to ‘suppress’ or ‘avoid’ any reminders of the event. In their endeavours to develop more socially acceptable behaviours,
Nevertheless, the negative impacts of a traumatic birth were evident through ‘displacement’, ‘somatisation’, ‘reaction formation’, ‘turning against the self’ and ‘regression’ through women expressing anger and hostility towards themselves, their infants and others” (Fennech & Thomson, 2015). Fenech and Thomson conclude “women utilize a range of dysfunction and functional defence mechanisms in their attempts to cope in the aftermath of a traumatic birth” (2015). It is recommended that a context-specific screening process and education for maternal professionals to recognize the defense mechanisms.

Implications The first line defense should be the prevention of traumatic birth. Stone states “Nurses working in intrapartum and postpartum units are ideally situated to affect both physical and psychological outcomes for all their patients” (2009). The nurse can help by being a voice for a laboring mother to prevent a traumatic birth. knowing and understanding the mother’s birth plan and clarifying beforehand can’t help alleviate stress during the birth. Discussing any items that may be unrealistic and explaining why they are not realistic. When unplanned interventions are needed it is important to educate the
Conclusion Traumatic birth is a key factor in causing postpartum mental health disturbance, and nursing care is an important factor in preventing a traumatic birth. As Florence Nightingale states in Notes on Hospitals: “The very first requirement in a hospital is that it should do the sick no harm.” It is the duty and the privilege of a nurse to be at the bedside of a woman as she gives birth to her child, to educate, support, and empower