Birth & Perinatal Trauma: ART for Parents After Difficult Deliveries

Written By Matthew Benavidez, LMFT

Common traumatic moments

Emergency C-section calls, NICU monitors, hemorrhage alarms, or helplessness watching a partner/infant in distress. The body may replay sights, sounds, and smells long after you’re home.

How ART helps

We target the specific cues that spike alarm (monitor beeps, the OR doors, that hallway). With guided eye movements and imagery rescripting, many parents report less reactivity and more presence. Results vary.

Pacing with postpartum in mind

  • Shorter sets if sleep-deprived or feeding on a schedule

  • Option to include your partner in parts of care (or couples work later)

  • Coordinate with OB/peds/IBCLC (if you want) for whole-family support

Gentle supports at home

  • Skin-to-skin, slow breath, and a “safe picture” you choose

  • Normalize mixed feelings—relief, fear, love, anger can coexist

  • Light movement and hydration, especially on processing days

Book a consult
Matthew Benavidez, LMFT

Matthew’s passion for therapy began early on in his life. Working through his own trauma at a young age, Matthew knows what the healing process looks like from all sides. Matthew’s own healing has varied from adjusting through divorced parents all the way to religious trauma. This has helped Matthew become more empathic towards his clients from all walks of life. Rest assured that you will be heard in a secure, shame-free environment.

https://benavidezlmft.com
Previous

Chronic Pain & Somatic Distress: Where ART Fits
Next

Moral Injury & Scrupulosity: Faith-Aware ART