Birthing beyond the binary: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of perinatal mental health experiences among genderqueer and nonbinary birthing people

Background
Genderqueer and nonbinary birthing people’s lived experiences are not captured within perinatal mental health literature. Gendered assumptions surround experiences throughout pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. Additionally, psychological distress can have a vast impact on a birthing person. An intersectional approach is vital to support all birthing people during the perinatal period.

Aims
To explore genderqueer and nonbinary birthing people’s experiences of perinatal mental health and support in the perinatal period in the UK.

Method
Seven genderqueer nonbinary birthing people’s lived experiences of psychological distress in the perinatal period were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Results
Analysis resulted in four overarching Group Experiential Themes: navigating shame and the emotional tides of distress; rebuilding identity under the heavy burden of the cishet gaze; feeling understood, connected to others; and creating safety in an unsafe world.

Discussion
Genderqueer and nonbinary birthing people discussed their experiences in relation to a loss and subsequent rebuilding of identity, bodily and social dysphoria, and their felt sense of connection with others. Participants explored how systemic erasure and anti-trans prejudice within services contributed to loneliness, isolation, fear, and distress. Findings encourage the dismantling of traditional gendered notions of pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. They also reinforce the need for transformation in perinatal services to ensure inclusive and safer support for genderqueer and nonbinary birthing people.