Ways to Support a Loved One Following a Traumatic Birth

The pain of delivery is an unfortunate reality for some expecting parents but there are certified ways to support a loved one. Also, the trauma and sorrow they feel learning about their child’s health can be emotionally taxing. Therefore, they need support and empathy as they try to heal from such experiences. No one should struggle alone, and your kind words, warm gestures like handwritten notes, a home-cooked meal, or simply talking about their trauma can be what they need. The journey from pregnancy to birth is a hard one. For any new mother, following a sorrowful birth can leave them feeling hollow and anxious. To support them, you don’t have to be a medical expert. Compassion and empathy are your most robust tools. So, to use them wisely, here’s how you can be a pillar of strength for your loved one:

Connect Your Loved One to Certified Legal Help

If your loved one sustained a birth injury along with their offspring, they could look into getting legal help. Your support in connecting your close ones to the right resources and most experienced attorneys can empower them to file a lawsuit. While filing a claim is not enough to subside the pain and suffering your loved one had to endure, it can still give them a modicum of relief in these trying times.

Legal entities like the Birth Injury Justice Center are well equipped and well versed in dealing with all sorts of turbulence during delivery. Your loved one will get a chance to seek justice, receive due compensation and hold the people responsible for their circumstances. So, your willingness to cooperate and enable your loved one to get legal advice and access resources that can benefit their baby is no less than a blessing.

Lend Your Ear

Your loved one may need the comfort of kinship through their time of despair. If the new parent needs to talk to you, hear them out. Your close one may need someone who listens to them without judgment or criticism. They may also need someone in front of whom they can vent and let all their emotions run free. It is not the time for you to give your two cents; instead, you should try to reserve any comments or questions and listen.

Acknowledge the situation for what it is and express your heartfelt condolences on what occurred. It would be best if you also refrained from making comments that seem like you’re invalidating their grief. Your loved one is already in a fragile position, don’t push them more over the edge.

Help Around the House

Your loved one and their partner may still be recovering from trauma. So, there is a high chance their house is neglected and may need slight tidying up. If you can handle this tremendous responsibility, it will ease some of the burdens off your loved ones. Hiring a cleaning service for a reasonable cost can help you fix the space in no time. If your loved one has other children, you may want to look after them or arrange for a babysitter to take care of these kids.

If you’re shouldering too much work, ask your other relatives to pitch in as the couple focuses on healing. You can take up smaller tasks such as cooking meals, prepping snacks, and ensuring your loved one has everything they need. If they need you to make quick grocery runs, make sure you do those too. You can also freshen up their day by bringing fresh flowers and cards. It can make your loved one feel more supported and valued.

Encourage Your Loved One to Seek Therapy

Therapists are professionals who are both well-equipped and trained to deal with tragic events of varying spectrums. These professionals know how to work with clients healthily and effectively without invalidating their experience. By encouraging your loved ones to look into therapy, you can help them recover in a much more informed manner. A therapist will never rush the healing process; instead, they take their time with it until the client is in harmony with their emotions and thoughts.

Your loved one will do much better under the care of a licensed professional. They will also pick up coping mechanisms and ways to deal with grief without resorting to accusations and self-blame. However, when discussing the prospect of a therapist, remember that you cannot push or force your loved one to attend sessions. Mental health is a delicate topic, so wisely pick the moment you should mention checking in with a seasoned expert. The last thing you would want is to come across as insensitive or condescending.

Final Thoughts

Birth is a joyous occasion, but traumatic experiences can sometimes make this vulnerable moment painful. If your loved one went through a similar event, they could use your support to get better. You can look into helping your close ones match with a relevant legal entity to build an appropriate birth injury case, leading to their fair due. Likewise, by giving your company, lending an ear, and listening to your loved ones and their story, you can give them space to express themselves without reservations. You may also extend your help by looking after your loved ones’ house and children without making them feel guilty about the neglect. A therapist may benefit your close one greatly. The skills and tools this professional possesses can help the healing process in a much more informed manner. So when you see the right time to make a suggestion, bring up the possibility of therapy.

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