Abstract
Introduction: Many women perceive their birth experience to be traumatic and stories
of birth trauma are more frequently being heard in maternity literature. However, there has
been limited research focusing on stories of recovery from birth trauma. Therefore, this study
aims to explore how women tell their stories of recovery from traumatic birth.
Method: This study utilised a qualitative design. One to one semi-structured interviews
were conducted with seven participants, who identified as recovered or in recovery from
traumatic birth. Participants were asked to tell their story of recovery from traumatic birth and
these accounts were analysed using narrative analysis.
Findings: Stories of recovery from traumatic birth exhibited a variety of core
narratives. Stories were interpreted in terms of genre with stories categorised as ‘Endeavour’
or ‘Endeavour with themes of escape’. Narratives of endeavour shared common themes of
taking an active role in recovery to regain a prior sense of normality. Narratives categorised as
‘endeavour with themes of escape’ shared additional themes of escaping a stigmatising identity
or system. Different emotional tones were present in stories of recovery; critical emotional
tones were predominantly present in narratives categorised as ‘Endeavour with themes of
escape’, hopeful emotional tones were predominantly presents in narratives classified as
‘Endeavour’ and reflective, educational tones present in both genres. For some women,
recovery was positioned as occurring inside healthcare systems with the aid of mental health
services and for others, recovery was positioned as occurring outside healthcare systems, with
services featuring minimally.
Conclusion: This study has identified how women can construct their narratives of
recovery from traumatic birth. Women’s individual stories of recovery can differ in their core
narratives but can share similarities in genre, emotional tone and positioning in relation to
health systems. This study highlighted how women were active agents in their recovery and
the multitude of factors affecting recovery, including the importance of validation of trauma,
appropriate mental health treatments, social support, among others. The clinical implications
of this study include the potential therapeutic benefit of telling stories of recovery from birth
trauma and the importance of trauma informed healthcare and social support during birth and
recovery.