Here for You - Debriefing for Postpartum Mothers

Childbirth is a significant and sometimes traumatic event for women, often leaving a lasting emotional impact. The gap between a woman’s expectations and her actual birthing experience can be substantial. Research shows a strong link between postpartum mental well-being, mother-infant bonding, and the potential development of PTSD. Addressing the psychological processes that occur after childbirth is essential. Clinical experience suggests that negative emotions can arise due to events during labor, with many women describing their birth experience as traumatic.

One method to address these emotions is Debriefing, a structured conversation used to help individuals process difficult or significant events. This professional-led discussion allows women to share their birth experience and emotions.

This project aims to offer women a debriefing conversation with a midwife during their hospital stay following birth. Postpartum women will now receive an SMS questionnaire, allowing them to indicate if they would like a conversation with a midwife and assess their birth experience. Women identified as needing support will also be referred by midwives, doctors, and nurses in the maternity ward.

Implementing this method in postpartum hospitalization has the potential to improve women’s perception of their own birth experience and support emotional and physical recovery.

Project leaders:

Alina Rubinsky – A midwife at Carmel Hospital, working both in the delivery room and in the maternal-fetal department. Holds a master's degree in Clinical Nursing with a specialization in Women's Health from Tel Aviv University.