How to Navigate Mother’s Day While Battling Postpartum PTSD
Mother’s Day can be a joyous occasion, especially when it’s your first! But if your experience leading up to this celebration had some bumps, you may be experiencing other more complex emotions. Maybe you and your baby are home and healthy, but the birth experience was frantic, or maybe baby had a NICU stay that was unexpected. You may be a mom celebrating Mother's Day with your kids but have had some traumatic experiences before this time, such as a miscarriage or stillbirth. Other experiences that may lead to complex feelings on Mother’s Day may include:
Traumatic deliveries (e.g., emergency C-sections, hemorrhages, or feeling powerless during labor)
NICU stays or separation from their newborn
Medical complications that left them fearing for their life or their baby’s
Emotional trauma from feeling dismissed, unheard, or violated during birth
Even if your baby is healthy now, your nervous system may still be stuck in survival mode. You might feel:
On edge or hypervigilant
Disconnected from your baby or partner
Overwhelmed by guilt or self-blame
Numb or emotionally flat
Haunted by flashbacks or nightmares
These are not signs of weakness. They are symptoms of trauma—and they are treatable.
What Is Postpartum PTSD?
Postpartum PTSD is a trauma response that can develop after a distressing pregnancy, birth, or postpartum experience. It’s estimated that up to 9% of new mothers experience postpartum PTSD, though many go undiagnosed due to stigma or lack of awareness.
Symptoms may include:
Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks of the traumatic event
Avoidance of reminders (e.g., hospitals, baby items)
Negative changes in mood or beliefs about oneself
Hyperarousal (e.g., irritability, difficulty sleeping)
Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others
Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward healing.
How EMDR Therapy Can Help
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. EMDR has been shown to be effective in treating postpartum PTSD by:
Reducing the intensity of traumatic memories
Alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression
Improving emotional regulation
Enhancing the ability to bond with the baby
EMDR therapy involves a structured eight-phase approach that includes history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Through bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping), EMDR helps reprocess distressing memories so they no longer have a debilitating impact.
Tips for Navigating Mother’s Day with Postpartum PTSD
Set Realistic Expectations: Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up. It’s okay if Mother’s Day doesn’t feel joyful.
Create Your Own Ritual: Engage in activities that bring you comfort, such as journaling, walking in nature, or listening to soothing music.
Limit Exposure to Triggers: Consider stepping back from social media or declining invitations that may be overwhelming.
Seek Support: Connect with a therapist trained in EMDR or join a support group for mothers experiencing postpartum PTSD.
Practice Self-Compassion: Remind yourself that healing is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time.
You Are Not Alone
If you’re struggling with postpartum PTSD, know that help is available. EMDR therapy can be a powerful tool in your healing journey, allowing you to process traumatic experiences and move toward a place of peace and connection.
Remember, Mother’s Day is about honoring the strength and resilience of mothers. This year, honor yourself by acknowledging your journey and taking steps toward healing.
Next Steps:
1. Schedule a free consultation
Let’s talk about what you’ve been through and what you need.
2. Choose a session format that fits your life
In-person intensives or flexible virtual EMDR sessions.
3. Begin healing from the inside out
You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s start together.
Your birth story may have left a scar, but it doesn’t have to define your life.
Healing is possible—and it begins with one courageous step forward.
Services Offered with Kate Regnier, LCSW and EMDR Therapist
Have you experienced a traumatic birth or perinatal loss and now find yourself overwhelmed by flashbacks, guilt, or emotional numbness? Specializing in birth trauma, perinatal grief, and PTSD, Kate helps mothers process the unthinkable and find relief from anxiety, intrusive memories, and the weight of heartbreak—so they can begin to heal and feel safe in their bodies again. Kate see’s clients in person in Reston, VA and virtually across the DMV, Indiana, and Michigan. To learn more about Kate, visit the page Meet Kate and check out more on the blog. Click here to schedule a free consultation.
Disclaimer* The content provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice. While I strive to ensure the accuracy of the information shared, I cannot guarantee that all information is current or correct. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions based on this post.
