From grandmother to granddaughter: a phenomenological study to assess the intergenerational transmission of birth-related traumatic experiences

Childbirth is not only a biological event but also a deeply embedded psychological and sociocultural experience that can shape women’s well-being across the life course. While the psychological consequences of traumatic birth have been increasingly documented, far less is known about how these experiences are transmitted across generations, particularly within patriarchal and family-centered societies. This study aimed to explore how traumatic birth experiences are transmitted across three generations of women and to identify the relational and sociocultural mechanisms underlying this transmission. In this phenomenological research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants from 10 families (grandmother, mother, granddaughter). The data were analyzed by thematic analysis. Thematic analysis yielded three overarching themes: (1) Sources and Manifestations of Trauma, (2) Pathways of Intergenerational Transmission, and (3) Generational Differences and Transformation. The findings demonstrate that birth-related trauma is not only an individual psychological experience but also a socially and culturally mediated phenomenon transmitted through silence, caregiving practices, and evolving family dynamics. By examining three generations simultaneously, this study contributes to the international literature by revealing how intergenerational trauma is reproduced and, in some cases, transformed over time. These results highlight the need for trauma-informed, culturally sensitive maternity care and intergenerational interventions that extend beyond individual-level clinical approaches.