Women’s Perceptions of the Birthing Experience: An Ever-Changing Phenomenon

The birthing experience may be perceived as a traumatic in women who
present with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet a woman’s view can change if she gains knowledge
about the birth experience. Narrative debriefing, for example, is a source of validation, through the telling and
listening of birth narratives. Further, by reading books and articles, taking mental notes, and comparing
outcomes women can reevaluate their own experiences and their perceptions change as a result. Women may
require repetitive debriefing to facilitate healing from birth-related trauma. KEY WORDS: birth, birthing, mothers,
narrative, trauma, memories, perception, PTSD, phenomenon.