Sexual Aspects of Labour/Childbirth Induced Trauma

Abstract

AbstractFor some women and their partners, childbirth may be traumatic in retrospect due to unwanted experiences during labour and birth. Maybe due to physical trauma, such as pelvic floor injuries, episiotomy, operative vaginal delivery, or urgent caesarean section. This can impact everyday life activities and affect the sexual life postpartum. The extent of the trauma influences postpartum recovery and the moment of resuming vaginal intercourse, as well as the possible development of dyspareunia. Next to physical damage, childbirth can also be a psychotraumatic experience because of feelings of failure, disconnection between the partners, loss of the baby, or loss of self. Such psychological factors can cause post-traumatic stress disorder and sexual disturbances in the woman and the couple. Midwives play a vital role in preventing soft tissue damage and unnecessary episiotomy and later in proper psycho-education, pain management, and wound care. Midwives are also key players in preventing psychotraumatic experiences and aftercare in case of negative psychological and sexual consequences for the woman and the couple. Within that context, they should be able to address sexuality adequately.This chapter is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals.