Women's experiences of the process of recovery from birth trauma: a grounded theory

This study aimed to explore women’s experiences of the process of recovery from birth trauma; a meta-synthesis of the literature identified this as a gap in existing knowledge. Seventeen mothers were recruited online and participated in interviews. A feminist social constructionist grounded theory methodology was used to collect and analyse the data. Seven categories were constructed from the data. These were: making sense of trauma, healing through connection, receiving care, reclaiming power, living with the trauma in the past, and recovery as a journey. A theoretical model was proposed. The findings are discussed in relation to existing theories of recovery from trauma, postnatal distress, and mental health recovery more generally. The study carries important implications for maternity practitioners and healthcare managers, and those supporting women to prepare for birth, as well as in the postnatal period.