Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder following traumatic birth (PTSD-BT) is an underrecognized perinatal mental health outcome disproportionately affecting medically and socially high-risk populations. In our home visiting birth cohort, 22.6% screened positive for clinically significant PTSD symptoms at 1 month postpartum, increasing to 33% among those with labor complications (used as a proxy for birth trauma). These results highlight the need for early identification and scalable community-embedded support.
Methods: We are conducting a mixed-methods study to characterize the epidemiology of PTSD-BT and inform the development of a trauma-informed intervention within a home visiting program. Quantitatively, we are enrolling a prospective pilot birth cohort (target n=50) using validated birth trauma and PTSD measures to estimate prevalence and examine associations with risk/protective factors. Qualitatively, we conducted four design studios with parents, home visitors, clinicians, and other stakeholders to co-develop ideas about participant eligibility, engagement approaches, and potential intervention models.
Results: Preliminary quantitative data (20 prenatal visits; 5 postpartum follow-ups) demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of structured birth trauma screening (preliminary associations will be presented). Across design studios, participants emphasized autonomy, cultural competence, non-stigmatizing communication, and normalization of postpartum trauma. Priority components include advocacy coaching, birth process education, and social support mobilization, delivered with flexible or risk-tiered formats.
Conclusion: PTSD-BT is prevalent and insufficiently addressed in high-risk postpartum populations. Integrating trauma-informed screening and support into home visiting is a feasible, acceptable, and population-relevant strategy. Ongoing data collection will refine intervention components and strengthen evidence for scalable implementation.