The birth of a child is a magical event for every family. The first moments of their life are precious for the parents, but for the newborn itself they are really decisive. However, sometimes childbirth is not exactly how we had dreamed it would be. When a reality does not correspond to our expectations, it is a loss and, as such, a process of mourning will follow: denial, sadness, anger, hopelessness, transformation. Like anyone facing adversity, family and social support is essential. Childbirth trauma is a relatively new concept in many ways because today it is highlighted much more than it ever was in the past.

Any extremely stressful experience which causes serious emotional consequences causes psychological trauma to the person. In the same way, we can say that we have all suffered the trauma of birth which can be light, deep, or severe. The birth process can sometimes cause physiological and neurological problems in the baby, but it can also cause emotional problems, which doctors do not see. If you have experienced this, you may be entitled to compensation. In this case you should look at compensation for birth injury. Nobody should suffer in silence. Compensation is often not a big enough payback for the issues that have arisen, but it can contribute to the responsibilities that come along with it (medical bills, therapies, and so on).

Some factors that can affect the birth:

  • Sudden and unexpected course of labour after surgery (for example, caesarean section or use of forceps). 
  • Poor care due to lack of staff or lack of respect.
  • Separation of mother and newborn after birth
  • Unfulfilled expectations regarding the birth
  • Very fast or very prolonged labour
  • The immobilisation or lifelong injury of the child

The mental impact

Various scientific studies have shown that childbirth determines the personality of the human being. The human personality is influenced by the conception, and by the physical, emotional, and spiritual condition of the mother. Cesarean sections have also been shown to predispose a child to hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder. There are researchers who state that when the birth trauma is very serious, the person experiences during adulthood feelings similar to those he or she had at the time of birth. It is the case of those who feel unexplained tachycardia, headaches that are considered as strong pressure on the skull and feelings of drowning, among others. They are all sensations characteristic of panic attacks. From the other side, there can be a strong emotional component to the separation of child and mother. Therefore, the birth trauma is not limited to the physical senses experienced, but also to the loss of an ideal condition. It is a very serious matter that is thankfully being taken much more seriously today. As with every difficult incident, claiming compensation is something that is legally within your right. Whether it’s a car accident or an accident at work, you should consider looking at finding out what you could be entitled to. Birth trauma is not common but if it does occur, it can create long lasting problems.