Nine ways to recover from birth trauma as Oti Mabuse shares her experience

Marie-Claire Dorking
·Contributor
Updated ·6-min read

Watch: Richard Coles and Oti Mabuse share their experiences of trauma on I'm a Celeb

Oti Mabuse has discussed the "traumatic" birth of her daughter, breaking down in tears during an emotional chat on I'm A Celebrity 2024 with fellow campmate Reverend Richard Coles.

The former Strictly Come Dancing professional, 34, welcomed her daughter, with husband Marius Iepure, last October but has since shared that the birth was not an easy one as she was born 10 weeks premature and spent six weeks in the NICU.

In the discussion, Mabuse tried to hold back her tears as she recalled watching her newborn being kept in a neonatal incubator.

Describing the "traumatic" period as "one of the scariest" times of her life, the Dancing on Ice judge explained she was not allowed to hold her child so used her voice to connect in those important early days. "They are [precious], my daughter was really, really tiny when she was born. It’s hell. It’s hell to be in the hospital, to hear those sounds, to not see your baby’s eyes for a week, it’s hell to constantly look for advice from the doctors."

Oti Mabuse - I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here 2024. (ITV)
Oti Mabuse - I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here 2024. (ITV)

But the worst part for the new mum was that "every night, you need to leave them, you need to leave your baby in someone else’s hands."

Ahead of going into the jungle Mabuse shared her birth experience, explaining that she only understood she'd experienced "trauma" later: "Because I didn't have any experience of birth it didn't seem traumatic at the time," she told life coach Paul Carrick Brunson on his podcast, We Need To Talk.

"Afterwards I felt that was intense. And when you look at milestones of premature babies, I have to be very, very understanding. The trauma came after."

According to Mind, birth trauma can occur when you go through a frightening, stressful or distressing event which is related to giving birth. It can develop into postnatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a type of anxiety disorder. Witnessing traumatic events can also lead to symptoms of PTSD, so partners can experience it too.

It is estimated that 30,000 women a year, in the UK alone, have suffered negative experiences during the delivery of their babies. One in 20 go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Woman in hospital after giving brith. (Getty Images)
Some traumatic birth experiences can lead to women suffering from PTSD. (Getty Images)

Recovering from birth trauma is a process that requires understanding, support, and sometimes professional help.

"It is important that everyone's view on what trauma is may be different, and that all feelings and experiences are valid," Emiliana Hall, founder of The Mindful Birth Group®, previously told Yahoo UK.

Recognise and acknowledge your emotions about the birth experience. "You may be feeling a range of emotions that you never considered that you might feel after the birth, including sadness, anger, guilt, or anxiety," advises Hall.

Talk to someone you trust about your feelings, whether it's your partner, a friend, a family member, or a healthcare professional.

"You can request a Birth Afterthoughts session from your hospital or if you would prefer to do this independently, you can book a private birth debrief with a specialist in-person or via Zoom," Hall explains.

In the UK, there are various mental health services available through the NHS. "You can speak to your GP about accessing counselling or therapy to work through your feelings and experiences," Hall advises.

Look for therapists who specialise in trauma, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), or trauma-focused cognitive therapy. Hall says these therapies can help you process your trauma and develop coping strategies.

Woman chatting to a psychologist after experiencing a traumatic birth. (Getty Images)
Experts recommend seeking help if you've experienced a traumatic birth. (Getty Images)

Participating in support groups for mothers who have experienced birth trauma can provide a sense of validation, understanding, and solidarity.

"Organisations like the Birth Trauma Association (BTA) offer support groups and resources for individuals affected by birth trauma," Hall adds.

Hall advises taking care of yourself physically and emotionally. "This may involve getting enough rest, eating well, engaging in activities you enjoy, and practising relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or yoga," she adds.

Learn more about birth trauma and its impact. "Understanding the factors that contributed to your experience can help you make sense of your feelings and empower you to advocate for yourself in future pregnancies or births," Hall adds.

If you feel comfortable, communicate your experience with your healthcare providers. "Sharing your story can help raise awareness and may contribute to improvements in maternity care," Hall explains.

"The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters and is a good place to start a feedback process."

Recovery from birth trauma takes time, and healing is not always linear. "Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate your journey toward healing," Hall advises. "Remember that every individual's experience of birth trauma is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery.

"It's essential to find the support and resources that resonate with you and to prioritise your wellbeing as you work through the healing process."

Help and support:

Read more about birth:

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