Video: New moms diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder

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When you think of post-traumatic stress disorder, chances are you think of soldiers returning from Iraq or victims of sexual abuse. But few people realize it can also be triggered by a long or complicated childbirth.

Now, moms and medical experts want to spread the word.

Jodi Kluchar still remembers the intense pain and fear she felt after an emergency C-section several years ago.

"I was surprised to be awake because I thought I was going to die," said Kluchar.

Although she gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Kluchar began having nightmares and flashbacks.

"It was not so much that I was depressed that I would cry all the time. I was just empty. I just wasn't there," said Kluchar.

When those feelings carried right into her second pregnancy, Kluchar decided she needed help. Her doctor diagnosed her not with post-partum depression but with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"The core of their perception of a traumatic childbirth is that during labor and delivery, they feel a lack of control of events," said Dr. Cheryl Beck, DNSC birth trauma expert.

Beck was recently involved in a study that suggests up to nine percent of mothers in the United States are experiencing this disorder even though medical charts may indicate a completely "normal" birth.

"A traumatic childbirth is in the eye of the beholder, so that all that matters is the perception of the woman," said Beck.

Back then, not only was Kluchar unable to bond with her son, she was also haunted by thoughts of hurting him.

"I never thought about actually doing anything, but just the thoughts frightened me so much that I would have to put him down," said Kluchar.

The first step toward recovery is finding a mental health specialist. By the time Kluchar gave birth to her daughter, her symptoms were under control. Seven years later, she continues to take medication and see a therapist.

There are distinct warning signs that a mother has developed PTSD. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, irritability and avoidance.