A birth is defined as being traumatic if the woman was or believed she or her baby was in danger.  She perhaps felt helpless, out of control, or alone at any point during her labor or birth. Suffering from birth trauma is not something you have on your list of what to expect when planning your pregnancy and awaiting the birth of your baby.  Parents typically have beautiful and loving pictures in their head on what pp life will look like and how they will feel.  Sure, we expect to be tired and wonder if we will have a colicky baby like your best friend did.  There are feelings of worry and concern about having one of those babies you have heard about that never sleep. You may have expected some learning curve related to breastfeeding.  For the most part, your plan was to be at home, relaxing with your baby, with your family and enjoying new motherhood.