‘Exposing The Silence’ Photo Project Helps Women Experiencing Birth Trauma Feel Less Alone

‘Exposing The Silence’ Photo Project Helps Women Experiencing Birth Trauma Feel Less Alone

Trauma during and after childbirth is prominent among women, with statistics showing that 25-34% women experiencing it. A new project, “Exposing The Silence,” is aiming to put faces to the number.

In a cross-country road trip, the team behind “Exposing The Silence” has been photographing women who have experienced traumatic childbirth in various different scenarios — from C-sections to abuse in the delivery room.

As a piece published in September by Dominique Pundsack noted, “Long-term effects of a traumatic birth for mothers include difficulties breastfeeding as well as connecting with and thinking of their child as theirs.”

“Exposing The Silence” is looking to demystify the reality behind traumatic childbirth as well as show a more well rounded “after.”

“Most of these women feel silenced,” said Cristen Pascucci, one of the women behind the project, to The Huffington Post. “There is strength and healing in speaking out.”

Cover image courtesy of Exposing the Silence.