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Birth Trauma

Birth trauma is unique to every woman. It may include some, many or all of the following experienced before, during or after birth: physical pain and ongoing complications, emotional distress, shock about treatment and interventions, experienced disrespect and abuse, felt abandoned, unheard, ignored, violated, feared for your or your baby's safety.

Doctor Examining a Pregnant Woman

The Full Story

Birth Trauma

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 In Australia, research shows that approximately one-third of women experience birth trauma, with a significant portion caused by care provider interactions, including lies and threats, violations, prioritizing their own agenda and ignoring women's own knowledge. 

 

Some symptoms of birth trauma: 

  • Feelings of anger, shame, failure, guilt

  • Withdrawing, isolation, and low self-worth

  • higher chance of developing perinatal depression and anxiety

  • Difficulty sleeping including nightmares 

  • relationship difficulties including baby, partner and friends 

  • flashbacks about the birth 

  • Repetitive and intrusive thoughts, low mood, teary 

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Many women blame themselves and feel shame and guilt about their birth trauma. However, it is important to know it is not your fault. Seek out some of the support services below. ​

Birth Trauma Support

If you've experience Birth trauma and would like psychological support, or help making a complaint, see the links below. 

A list of Medicare rebateable, Perinatal psychologists we recommend. Most offer Skype or Zoom for rural, regional and remote women

If you would like assistance with making a complaint

For those who may need help navigating mental health services for birth trauma, including referral pathways

Helpline available Mon-Saturday

Free counselling, peer-support and referrals

Online and phone services to support women and families who've lost their baby 

Image by Alexander Grey

Obstetric Violence: A major contributor of Birth trauma

A considerable percentage of birth trauma is related to what is known as obstetric violence. This term refers to mistreatment or disrespectful behavior from care providers, including:

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Lies and Threats

  • False statements or coercive tactics used to pressure a woman into certain decisions.

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Disregarding Women’s Knowledge

  • Ignoring or belittling a woman’s understanding of her own body and birth preferences.

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Prioritizing Care Provider Agendas

  • Focusing on the convenience or preferences of the care provider over the woman’s needs and wishes.

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Violations

  • Disrespectful, coercive behaviour, not respecting a woman's bodily autonomy including forced procedures and assault

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Obstetric violence is a form of preventable harm and gendered based violence.

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