AUTHOR=Bhagawan Anisha , Prets Daria , Nagle Ursula , Doyle Jillian , Duffy Richard M. 

TITLE=A qualitative description of birth trauma experiences from Ireland’s first psychological birth trauma clinic

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Global Women's Health

VOLUME=Volume 6 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/global-womens-health/articles/10.3389/fgwh.2025.1584070

DOI=10.3389/fgwh.2025.1584070

ISSN=2673-5059

ABSTRACT=ObjectiveGiving birth is a significant, life-transforming event that leaves lifelong memories. Although it is commonly seen as a beautiful and empowering experience, it can nevertheless also be traumatic and cause long-term psychological problems. Birth trauma, which arises from experiences during labour and birth, is gaining wider attention as a potential clinical issue. Our study aimed to categorize and describe qualitative data from women seeking assistance at a psychological birth trauma clinic.MethodsThe study focused on analysing qualitative data from a psychological birth trauma clinic to understand women's perspectives and experiences. Thematic analysis was used for its flexibility and reliability. Out of 121 cases, 43 were excluded, resulting in 78 women included in the study.ResultsThis study identified three main themes: personal failure, failure of others, and threat to life; along with several sub-themes. These themes and sub-themes reflected the perspectives and experiences of the women in the study regarding their birth trauma experiences.ConclusionThis study emphasises the need for proactive measures to address childbirth trauma effectively, and advocates for Trauma Informed Care which promotes woman-centred practises to improve quality of care and health service delivery.