'Common' PTSD symptoms after childbirth as Louise Thompson returns to hospital
Louise Thompson has been admitted to hospital just weeks after the Made In Chelsea star opened up about her battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), following the traumatic birth of her son.
Taking to Instagram on Sunday (January 4), Louise’s fiancé Ryan Libbey revealed that the mum-of-one had been in hospital for 12-days, and that they are unsure when she will return home. He wrote: "But thank you to everyone who has sent messages of love and support to our family. It does help."
The couple welcomed baby Leo-Hunter Libbey in November 2021, but the arrival left both mother and child "dancing with death" following an emergency caesarean. Announcing the news on social media, Lousie wrote: "5 weeks ago I gave birth to my beautiful baby boy Leo-Hunter Libbey weighing in at 7lbs.
"Unfortunately it wasn't the easiest start for either of us. One ended up in NICU and the other ended up in ICU." While little Leo was reported to have recovered quickly, Louise has been left with severe health complications, including PTSD and post-natal anxiety.
The latest devastating news comes two months after the TV star reflected on her post-partum journey. Penning an emotional letter on Instagram, the star wrote: "Here’s a reminder that a lot can change in a year. A lot can change in 6 months. Indeed a lot can change in a month but it’s hard to witness the change until you create some sizeable distance from it."
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Louise continued: "I’m crying writing this. I’m feeling very emotional today. I can’t lie it feels nice to purge my pain. I encourage you to try writing and crying too. Sometimes it helps. But the main reason I’m writing this is because I really want you guys to know that you must keep moving forward. Don’t give up. Because there will be a time when you will want to wear a pretty party dress again. You will shine again."
How common is PTSD after birth?
Around one or two in every 100 women suffer from post-traumatic stress after giving birth, while five percent of partners develop trauma symptoms after being present during the birth, reports Tommy’s. The anxiety disorder post-pregnancy can be caused by distressing events, such as a traumatic birthing experience, miscarriage or neonatal death, adds the charity.
Symptoms of PTSD?
Tommy’s has detailed the most common symptoms of PTSD to watch out for, these include:
Flashbacks to the experience
Nightmares about the experience
Repetitive and distressing images or sensations
Physical sensations such as pain, sweating, feeling sick (nausea) or trembling
Constant negative thoughts about the experience
Trying to feel nothing at all (emotional numbing) and trying to distract yourself to avoid thinking about what happened
Avoiding places, people or other things that remind you of the traumatic event
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Watching out for danger or threats and being easily startled
Anxiety
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Angry outbursts
Sleeping problems
Headaches
Stomach pain
Difficulty bonding with baby
Louise had previously opened up about her experience with the debilitating disorder, where she wrote: "If I could use a few words to describe the past month they would be: "SCARED, CONFUSED, PARALYSED, AND TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL. My brain keeps deleting memories in order to try and protect itself and it’s so scary.
"Trauma and fear have no understanding of time. I remember a therapist told me that a few months ago and I didn't understand what she meant. Now I do." But the former reality show star has urged other people with PTSD after childbirth to keep going, and to seek help. "DON'T GIVE UP. JUST KEEP LIVING. ONE MORE DAY," she shared.
Speak to someone
If you’re experiencing PTSD symptoms, it is advised that you speak to your GP, midwife, or health visitor. While it may be difficult to open up about your feelings, it’s important to remember that healthcare professionals won’t judge you.
Tommy’s writes: "They understand that PTSD is a mental health condition. It is not your fault, or something that you just need to 'get over' or move on from. They will focus on helping you find the right treatment and support so you can take care of yourself and your baby."
If you struggle to speak about your symptoms, you may want to write down what you want to say first, or you may want to have someone with you when you talk to them. Processing a traumatic event can be distressing, but it’s never too late to ask for help.
How can PTSD be treated?
According to the NHS, PTSD can be successfully treated, even if it develops years after a traumatic event. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, and how soon they occur after the event.
There are various treatment forms available, including psychological therapies. Your GP can refer you to these therapies, which can include trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR).
Other alternatives include antidepressants. Another option to try is the My Possible Self App, which is a free NHS endorsed global mental health app that provides holistic and engaging tools to support and improve mental wellbeing.
If you need more information, you can use on 0300 123 3393, or email . They are open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays).
It's important to look after your mental health. Find advice and practical tips on the website.
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