At Least You Have a Healthy Baby: The Hidden Epidemic of Birth Trauma in the US

Despite advancements in medical technology and a growing awareness of maternal health, the emotional and psychological experiences of birthing mothers in the US often go unnoticed. In this eye-opening episode, Aviva Romm, an experienced midwife and MD, delves into a topic that is often overlooked and misunderstood—birth trauma. Aviva shares her personal birth story, other birth stories, and draws from decades of experience to explore the hidden epidemic of birth trauma that is affecting an alarming number of women. In this episode Dr. Aviva discusses: Birth trauma: what it is, how it manifests, and why it’s more common than you might think The profound impact of birth trauma on maternal mental health Real stories from women who have experienced trauma during labor and birth, highlighting the emotional and mental impact that can linger long after the baby is born. The surprising central factor most women report as the cause of birth trauma: medical mistreatment and lack of informed consent and communication.. The critical importance of centering the mother’s well-being in the birthing process for the mother, the baby, and the family The actionable steps that can be taken by both healthcare providers and loved ones to support mothers before, during, and after birth to prevent trauma and promote healing. Why This Episode Matters: Birth is one of the most significant events in a woman’s life, yet the emotional and psychological well-being of mothers often takes a back seat to physical outcomes. By bringing this issue to the forefront, Dr. Romm aims to empower women, educate healthcare professionals, and spark a much-needed conversation about the importance of “matrifocal: maternal health care. Tune in to the full episode to understand the true impact of birth trauma and what we can do to support the emotional and psychological well-being of mothers. Share Your Story: Have you or someone you know experienced birth trauma? Please join the conversation on Dr. Aviva’s Instagram @dr.avivaromm and use #HealingBirthTrauma. Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements Mentioned in this episode: Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements