ABSTRACT
Research findings are beginning to accrue which highlight the chronic nature of posttraumatic stress related to childbirth lasting longer than 6 months after birth. The long-term detrimental effects of traumatic childbirth not only on mothers but also on their relationships with their infants and other family members have been reported (Beck, 2006; Ayers, Wright, & Wells, 2007; Nicholls & Ayers, 2007). This chapter concentrates on summarizing this beginning, pertinent research and also on providing the narratives of two mothers who participated in Beck and Watson's (2010) study of subsequent childbirth following a previous birth trauma.
