Dusk Liney’s journey into motherhood took an unexpected turn after she endured a traumatic medical procedure soon after giving birth, marking a return to a dark period in her life. The Victorian mother experienced a severe third-degree tear during delivery, requiring surgical intervention, which plunged her into a state of anxiety and distress. Liney recounted feeling a loss of agency as she sought clarity on the procedure, only to be met with silence from medical staff.
Her experience is particularly poignant in light of her history as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, a reality that resonates with a significant number of Australian women. Research reveals alarming statistics: about 11% of women have encountered sexual abuse in their youth, while 22% have experienced sexual violence since age 15. Many women, like Liney, carry this trauma into their pregnancies and early parenting days, often leading to perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA). Annually, PNDA affects roughly 100,000 parents in Australia, costing the economy dearly.
Despite believing she had managed her complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) prior to becoming a mother, Liney soon realised that the shadows of her past would resurface, impacting her mental health as she navigated pregnancy and childbirth. Her friend, a student midwife, warned her that the birthing process might trigger old wounds, a sentiment she initially dismissed. Ultimately, however, moments from her past intruded upon what should have been a joyful time, leaving her filled with guilt and shame.
The surgical repair of her tear was particularly overwhelming, exacerbating her trauma despite having positive experiences with her midwives. This is a common scenario for survivors, as research indicates heightened rates of depression and anxiety among new mothers with a history of abuse.
Liney points to subtle but critical aspects of medical practice, like entering a room without knocking, which can trigger panic in those with traumatic pasts. The impact was profound, pushing her into a prolonged state of hyper-vigilance as she fought to protect herself and her newborn. It took years for her to address her mental health struggles fully.
Now, as a trauma-sensitive doula and maternity educator, Liney advocates for increased awareness and training among healthcare professionals regarding trauma-informed care. She stresses the importance of sensitivity in medical settings, which can significantly enhance patients’ experiences. Liney emphasises that trauma is not only the experience of survivors; it is an issue that many women encounter in varied forms.
In sharing her story and insights, particularly on platforms like the Gidget Foundation Australia’s podcast, Liney aims to foster conversations about trauma-informed care. Reflecting on her past, she wishes for a different experience for future parents, hoping to create systems that promote healing and support rather than further trauma. Today, with her daughter thriving at eight years old, Liney is committed to helping others navigate their journeys through trauma with hope and resilience.