Tip Sheets for Care Managers
Below are the Collaborative Care Tip Sheets on Supporting Patients with Birth Trauma
Birth Trauma Tip Sheet
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Birth Trauma Slide Deck
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Understanding Birth Trauma
Definition:
- A potentially traumatic event involving a perceived or actual threat of death or injury to the birthing person or baby.
Key Predictors:
- Obstetric emergencies (e.g., NICU admission, urgent interventions).
- Perceived lack of control, poor communication, and low support.
Common Patient Concerns:
- Fear due to unexpected interventions or medical urgency.
- Feeling unheard or powerless during childbirth.
- Emotional detachment or overwhelming distress post-birth.
Phases of Medical Traumatic Stress
Phase 1: Traumatic Childbirth
Care Focus:
- Acknowledge subjective experience of trauma.
- Provide clear communication and reassurance.
- Address immediate emotional and physical concerns.
Phase 2: Evolving Trauma (Acute Stress Response)
Care Focus:
- Connect patients to resources early (hospital, postpartum check-ins).
- Monitor for symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD) within 30 days.
- Offer stress-reducing interventions and emotional support.
Phase 3: Postpartum PTSD
Care Focus:
- Screen for symptoms (~3% low-risk, up to 20% in high-risk populations).
- Refer for evidence-based treatments:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, EMDR.
- Medication management when needed.
Strategies for Supporting Patients
Trauma-Informed Communication:
- Ensure patients understand procedures and reasons for interventions.
- Validate feelings and provide autonomy in decision-making.
- Empower patients through collaboration and informed choice.
Preventive Interventions:
- Increase Awareness: Walk through potential triggers (e.g., medical procedures, loss of control).
- Develop Coping Plans: Identify personalized coping strategies (e.g., grounding exercises, support persons).
- Coordinate Care: Share patient concerns and coping plans with the healthcare team.
Key Actions for Care Managers
- During Prenatal Care:
- Screen for trauma history and emotional readiness.
- Discuss potential fears and coping strategies.
- During Labor & Delivery:
- Advocate for patient preferences.
- Encourage respectful communication among the team.
- Postpartum Follow-Up:
- Conduct trauma screening at 2-week and 6-week check-ins.
- Provide referrals for mental health support as needed.
Patient Empowerment in Birth Experience
- Encourage patients to identify personal meanings of interventions.
- Offer strategies for maintaining a sense of control and dignity.
- Build trust through consistent, compassionate care.