April is C Section Awareness Month

While a c-section does not always equate to a traumatic experience, it can often be the end result in a cascade of interventions that could have potentially been avoided with the right support. The @WHO estimates that about 15% of c sections are medically necessary, but in the US our average is around 32%. While many of our clients may be educated about their birth support options, sometimes it is difficult to avoid interventions in a medical setting that is set for that purpose.

Some birth-givers may have a c-section that is not traumatic, while others may have the VBAC they dreamed of but may also experience trauma in the process. Statistically, 1 in 3 birth givers consider their birthing experiences as traumatic. 4-5% of birthing people experience postpartum PTSD as a result of their traumatic birth experiences, and even birth partners can experience this trauma as a result of witnessing these difficulties.⁠ Trauma can look like a lot of different things and it can show up in the body, mind and spirit differently for people. ⁠

⁠What are the symptoms of birth trauma? ⁠

💔 feeling depressed, anxious or disengaged⁠

💔 finding it difficult to bond with your baby and/or bodyfeed⁠

💔 reliving the birth repeatedly or, not being able to remember parts of it⁠

💔 trouble sleeping⁠

⁠Can massage therapy be a tool to heal from birth trauma and c-section recovery? 

@mamassage_brooklyn we are aware of the studies and client cases that show that it definitely can be an integral tool in the process of healing from trauma and for postpartum care. All of our massage therapists are trained in trauma informed approaches to pregnancy and postpartum massage care. ⁠

⁠While we may treat what's on the surface - for example, we offer scar massage in the office and teach you how to do this at home, we are also aware that trauma goes deep in the body / spirit and we are prepared to hold space for that during your session and provide additional referrals and resources if necessary. ⁠

⁠Have questions about massage for birth trauma ? Email kiera@mamassage.org or book a postpartum session here.