Becoming a new parent is one of the most incredible and exciting experiences of your life, but it also comes with a lot of challenges. Even the pregnancy and birthing process are full of trials and tribulations, and unfortunately for some parents, these stages don’t always go smoothly. If your partner has recently been through a traumatic birth, they might be struggling to come to terms with what has happened and their recovery. If you’re worried about them and are unsure what to do, here are a few suggestions on what you can do to support them at this time.
Encourage Communication, but Respect Their Space
After going through anything traumatic, it’s better to talk about what happened with the ones you love so they can support you and you can get things off your chest. However, sometimes people aren’t ready to talk about it and prefer to process things privately before they open up about how they’re feeling. It’s important to encourage your partner to communicate their thoughts and feelings with you on this matter and that they feel they’re in a safe space to do so, but if they’re not quite ready to do this yet, respect their space.
Look into Legal Advice
Sometimes a traumatic birth is no one’s fault. It could have happened because of a naturally occurring complication, but if your partner’s trauma as a result of medical malpractice either during their pregnancy or when they were in labor, and your child suffered a significant injury as a result, look into getting some legal advice on what you can do. Suing the hospital or a particular doctor or nurse who you believe has been negligent might do something to help you and your partner move forward with the peace of mind that your child’s complex needs can be met both now, and in the future. Talk to a solicitor whose expertise is in birth injury claims for excellent advice and support.
Make Sure Your Partner Gets Some Rest
After giving birth, the mother must get some rest, but with the added emotional and mental exhaustion of a traumatic birth, it’s even more essential that your partner takes things easy. Do what you can around the house, cook them meals, and run them bubble baths to help them feel more relaxed and loved. These are simple things, but they will make the difference.
Get Numbers for Counselling and Support Groups
Your partner might not be ready to talk about it just yet, but one day they might want to. As well as letting them know they can talk to you, start looking for numbers for professional counselors, ideally ones who have worked with others who have gone through the same thing. Support groups are another avenue you and your partner might want to explore.
Take Care of Yourself
Finally, while caring for your partner after their harrowing experiences in labor, make sure you’re taking care of yourself as well. Although your experience might be different from theirs, it’s still hard to see them struggling, and if your child has also suffered as a result, that is hard for you as well. You’re allowed to feel angry and upset, so make sure you have people to talk to and that you’re practicing good self-care as well.
No couple wants to go through complications when it comes to their children, but sometimes these things happen. If your partner has been through a traumatic birth, use these tips to help you support them.
To read more on topics like this, check out the Lifestyle category
Leave a Reply