When complications arise in the delivery room that lead to traumatic childbirth, clinicians providing care may feel upset and experience secondary traumatic stress. A new study found that feelings of blame and guilt dominate when midwives and obstetricians struggle to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic childbirth, but such events also made them think more about the meaning of life and helped them become better midwives and doctors. Medical mistakes primarily affect patients and relatives, but healthcare professionals can also be profoundly affected. When errors occur, and even when problems arise that may not have been avoided, clinicians often feel personally responsible for negative outcomes experienced by patients.