BTN News: Emergency C-sections are very tough for many women. The sudden need for surgery makes it even harder, which can lead to emotional problems like postpartum depression or PTSD. Natalia Valverde, a perinatal psychologist in Madrid, explains how to stop this harm and when women need professional help after an emergency C-section. She says it is crucial to tell the mother about the surgery, even for a few seconds, and to support her kindly. Simple acts like holding her hand or speaking softly can greatly impact her during this tough time.
How to Deal With Feelings of Failure After a C-Section
Many women feel bad or like they have failed if they need a C-section because natural births are seen as the best way. Valverde suggests that teaching women during pregnancy about C-sections can help avoid these feelings. It’s important to know that emergency C-sections are necessary for health reasons, either for the mother, the baby, or both. This understanding can help women feel better about their experiences.
Knowing the Signs of PTSD After a C-Section
Emergency C-sections can sometimes lead to PTSD. It’s important to recognize the signs early so help can be given. These signs can appear days or weeks after the birth. They include feeling very sad, irritable, crying often, and being very alert. The mother might also have repeated memories, smells, or sounds from the event that cause her a lot of stress. She may have trouble sleeping and nightmares. Things like hospital visits or check-ups can make her anxious and cause sweating and fast heartbeats. These signs mean she needs professional help.
Understanding the Link Between C-Sections and Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression affects one in eight women in Spain. It has many causes, and a tough C-section can be one of them. Valverde says this kind of depression usually peaks in the first three months after birth but can happen anytime in the first year. Signs include not enjoying the baby or taking care of it, feeling like a bad mother, and thinking others would care for the baby better. Other signs are sadness, low energy, losing interest in things once enjoyed, sleep problems not related to baby care, trouble focusing, and changes in appetite.
Importance of Emotional Well-being for Partners and Family Members
It is also important to check on the emotional well-being of the mother’s partner and family. Valverde notes they can also feel depressed or have PTSD but are often ignored. It is important to ask how they are feeling and offer help when needed.
Ways to Rebuild the Mother-Baby Bond After an Emergency C-Section
Skin-to-skin contact right after birth is very helpful, but it might not be possible with emergency C-sections. Valverde says bonding can still happen when the mother and baby are together again. The focus should be on enjoying future time together, not on making up for lost time. Family and healthcare providers should support this bonding by making the mother feel she can take care of her baby. Helping with house chores can give the mother more time with her baby, which will strengthen their bond and help them connect better.
Conclusion
Emergency C-sections are very challenging, but understanding and dealing with the emotional effects can make a big difference. Informing and supporting mothers, knowing the signs of PTSD and postpartum depression, and helping build a strong mother-baby bond are all important steps. By giving full care and understanding, we can help mothers handle the hard parts of emergency C-sections and ensure they get the support they need for a healthy emotional recovery.
