I’m working on a birth plan that will specifically inform my midwife team on my triggers and what to do or not to if I get triggered. Is there anything else I should add?
So far this is what I have:
Trauma and PTSD Birth Plan
Background:
Childhood sexual abuse survivor, with PTSD, anxiety, and disassociative episodes. In worst case scenarios, could experience a flashback, panic attack, sensory overload, or dissociative episode.
Signs I am triggered:
-Hiding or covering my face or head
-Going nonverbal
-Hyperventilating
-Crying
I usually internalize my fear, and I can be really good at masking symptoms and seeming very normal.
Things that make me feel safe:
-Being in the dark, or at least dim lights
-Touch from my husband or Mom
-Fuzzy purple blanket
Things that could trigger me:
-Other people (besides David) in the bathroom with me
I would prefer no one in the bathroom with me besides my husband but if there needs to be for some reason, I would like the person to ask before coming in and verbally narrate what they are doing.
Things that overwhelm me when triggered:
-Open ended questions that require a verbal response
Things that help when I’m triggered:
-Yes or no questions
-Others verbally narrating what they are doing or observing regarding me ie: “I’m going to do x”, or “You look like you’re very uncomfortable”
Code Words:
Yellow - I’m nervous, not sure if I can calm down, or if I’m about to completely freak out, but we should probably change something to make me feel safe (I’m starting to get triggered).
Red - I’m full on panicking, having a flashback, or disassociating. Don’t touch, physically step back (I’m freaking out).
Hospital specific:
I would prefer all female staff, with as few people as possible. I would like someone else to request this for me, defending that this preference is due to trauma and ptsd and not meant to be any disrespect to male staff. I understand that in an emergency situation, I may not be able to have this preference fulfilled.
If I have to have male staff, I would like them to ask before touching me and verbally narrate what they are doing.
So far this is what I have:
Trauma and PTSD Birth Plan
Background:
Childhood sexual abuse survivor, with PTSD, anxiety, and disassociative episodes. In worst case scenarios, could experience a flashback, panic attack, sensory overload, or dissociative episode.
Signs I am triggered:
-Hiding or covering my face or head
-Going nonverbal
-Hyperventilating
-Crying
I usually internalize my fear, and I can be really good at masking symptoms and seeming very normal.
Things that make me feel safe:
-Being in the dark, or at least dim lights
-Touch from my husband or Mom
-Fuzzy purple blanket
Things that could trigger me:
-Other people (besides David) in the bathroom with me
I would prefer no one in the bathroom with me besides my husband but if there needs to be for some reason, I would like the person to ask before coming in and verbally narrate what they are doing.
Things that overwhelm me when triggered:
-Open ended questions that require a verbal response
Things that help when I’m triggered:
-Yes or no questions
-Others verbally narrating what they are doing or observing regarding me ie: “I’m going to do x”, or “You look like you’re very uncomfortable”
Code Words:
Yellow - I’m nervous, not sure if I can calm down, or if I’m about to completely freak out, but we should probably change something to make me feel safe (I’m starting to get triggered).
Red - I’m full on panicking, having a flashback, or disassociating. Don’t touch, physically step back (I’m freaking out).
Hospital specific:
I would prefer all female staff, with as few people as possible. I would like someone else to request this for me, defending that this preference is due to trauma and ptsd and not meant to be any disrespect to male staff. I understand that in an emergency situation, I may not be able to have this preference fulfilled.
If I have to have male staff, I would like them to ask before touching me and verbally narrate what they are doing.
