The arrival of an extremely premature baby is more than just a medical challenge—it's an emotional rollercoaster that can leave lasting scars on parents. While these tiny fighters battle for their lives in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, their families often face their own silent battles with trauma. Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) can linger long after the hospital lights dim, and the sounds of the machine beeps and buzzers fade, casting shadows over the journey of recovery. This article delves into the long-term impact of these symptoms on parents and explores how targeted support strategies can make a profound difference in their healing journey.
The birth of an extremely premature baby can be a profoundly traumatic event for parents. Extremely premature babies, born before 30 weeks of gestation often require extended stays in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit due to their low birth weight and associated health risks. This can place parents under significant stress. Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), which include a range of distressing symptoms following a traumatic event, can emerge following such experiences, and the impact on parents can be long-lasting.
High Prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in parents of premature babies
Research indicates that posttraumatic stress symptoms can persist in parents of extremely premature babies for at least several years postpartum. Studies have found elevated posttraumatic stress symptoms in parents up to five years after birth, with prevalence rates remaining high at various time points such as 18 months and even several years postpartum. For instance, research by Barthel et al. (2020) and Brunson et al. (2021) revealed significant posttraumatic stress symptoms in parents of premature babies at multiple stages after birth. These findings underscore the need for ongoing support for parents dealing with the long-term effects of their traumatic experiences.
The Role of Avoidant Coping Strategies
Avoidant coping strategies, which involve behaviors such as distraction, denial, and substance use, can exacerbate posttraumatic stress symptoms in parents of premature babies. Emotional Processing Theory (Foa & Kozak, 1986) suggests that avoidant coping interferes with the processing of fear memories, leading to heightened posttraumatic stress symptoms. Studies by Elklit et al. (2007) and Greco et al. (2005) have shown that avoidant coping is correlated with increased posttraumatic stress symptoms in parents of premature babies, reinforcing the need for targeted interventions to address these maladaptive strategies.
Helpful Interventions
Other helpful interventions for parents of extremely premature babies and those facing birth complications include trauma-focused therapies, peer support programs, and family-based approaches. Trauma-focused therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and narrative exposure therapy, can help parents process and reframe their traumatic experiences (Colville, 2013; Foa & Kozak, 1986). Peer support programs, including parent buddy systems and support groups, provide emotional support and practical advice from individuals with similar experiences (Preyde & Ardal, 2003). Family-based interventions engage the entire family to improve communication, develop effective coping strategies, and build resilience (Greene et al., 2018). These approaches address both individual and family needs, enhancing overall well-being and mitigating the impact of trauma.
Psychology Support Available
At Curated Mind Psychology, the unique challenges faced by parents who have experienced extremely premature births and other birth complications are recognised. Specialist support is provided to help these parents navigate their trauma and enhance their coping strategies. Psychologist Kylie offers perinatal psychology services such as trauma-focused therapy, guidance on developing effective coping mechanisms, and support for families to build resilience.
Kylie Walls is a registered psychologist at Curated Mind Psychology, offering compassionate, tailored online support for adults navigating mental health challenges, including those experienced in the perinatal period, such as postnatal depression and anxiety. She is dedicated to helping clients heal, rebuild, and move forward with hope. You can get int contact here: Contact Us | Curated Mind Psychology
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References
Barthel, D., et al. (2020);
Brunson, J., et al. (2021).
Christiansen, E., et al. (2013).
Colville, G. (2013).
Elklit, A., et al. (2007).
Foa, E. B., & Kozak, M. J. (1986).
Greene, T., et al. (2018).
Greco, L. A., et al. (2005).
Jotzo, M., & Poets, C. F. (2005).
Preyde, M., & Ardal, M. (2003).
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