Helping people traumatised by childbirth

Birth trauma association Founded in 2004 and run entirely by volunteers, we are the only UK charity focused on the issue of birth trauma. Our activities include: Supporting women who have experienced a traumatic birth, as well as their partners and families Campaigning to raise awareness of birth trauma Working in partnership to prevent birth trauma

What is birth trauma? Another name for the symptoms of postnatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) PTSD happens when someone has experienced or witnessed a trauma such as violence or sexual assault Between 1.5% and 3% of women experience PTSD after birth (about 20,000 a year in the UK), while 30% report some symptoms Any woman can experience birth trauma, but high risk factors include: painful labour high levels of intervention loss of control and poor communication medical emergencies

PTSD symptoms Avoiding reminders of the trauma Negative mood, such as guilt or feeling withdrawn Arousal – feeling deeply anxious and alert Re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks and nightmares

Living with birth trauma “I don’t feel as if I’ll ever be ok” “I don't know who to turn to and don't feel like any health professional takes me seriously” – Sarah “My experience postnatally has made me terrified when I hear of others who are about to give birth” – Debbie “I have no doubt having the injury is what is preventing me from healing and greatly affects my PTSD” - Emily

How we support women We run a closed Facebook support group with 4,500 members The group is a safe space that enables women to share their experiences and offer mutual support One of the few resources available to women with birth trauma – waiting lists for talking therapy are long Some women have told us the group saved their life We offer 1:1 online support to women via email and Facebook messenger Provide contact and referral details for professional mental health specialists

What ElSE Do WE DO? Work with journalists on print and broadcast media to publicise birth trauma Create awareness-raising events to enhance the public understanding of birth trauma Respond to national consultations on maternity services Collaborate with other campaigners for better care Participate in clinical research projects to prevent birth trauma

The future In the next year, we hope to offer: Local face-to-face peer support groups run by volunteers Telephone peer support

To find out more Our website: www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Birth-Trauma- Association-UK-496299280533226/ Twitter: @BirthTrauma