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Birth Trauma Support for UK Mothers
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It’s reported that as many as 30,000 mothers in the UK experience birth trauma every year. Such trauma may make it difficult for a new mother to bond with her baby. In some cases, the trauma may be so severe that it results in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The promising news is that the NHS have recently included pre and post maternity care as part of their long-term care plan. I hope this provides some comfort and support to millions of women in the UK: a beacon of hope for UK mothers.
What is birth trauma?
Birth can be traumatic if the
What is birth trauma?
Birth can be traumatic if the
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baby’s heart rate dips and is in danger, or if the mother thinks she is going to die during birth, for example during an emergency caesarean. Injuries to the mother or baby during birth can also cause birth trauma. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares or difficulty sleeping or concentrating. They may also include detachment from others or distress in social functioning for at least a month. Recovery may involve counselling, exercise, psychotherapy and support groups. There is no magic answer and recovery will vary for each person affected. IF it
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is diagnosed and support is given. Worryingly, there may be many cases where women do not get the help they need. Partners and witnesses of a traumatic birth can also experience PTSD.
Birth trauma exists?
It was only recently, almost six years after a terrible birth, that I discovered birth trauma existed. I always thought it was a case of a stiff upper lip and just get over it when it came to trying to block out that awful birth. Honestly, I thought that if I admitted that the birth anxiety was still hugely present in my mind, I would be told I was
Birth trauma exists?
It was only recently, almost six years after a terrible birth, that I discovered birth trauma existed. I always thought it was a case of a stiff upper lip and just get over it when it came to trying to block out that awful birth. Honestly, I thought that if I admitted that the birth anxiety was still hugely present in my mind, I would be told I was
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overreacting. I was not aware of amazing support groups like Make Birth Better and the Birth Trauma Association.
The NHS proposal
It’s heartening that the NHS’s Long Term Plan includes a focus on personalised maternity care. The plan, launched in January 2019, defines the planned areas of development for the NHS in England over the next ten years. It outlines the ‘Personalised Care Model’ which aims to give individuals more personalised care and more control over their health care. It’s reassuring that maternity care is named as one of the
The NHS proposal
It’s heartening that the NHS’s Long Term Plan includes a focus on personalised maternity care. The plan, launched in January 2019, defines the planned areas of development for the NHS in England over the next ten years. It outlines the ‘Personalised Care Model’ which aims to give individuals more personalised care and more control over their health care. It’s reassuring that maternity care is named as one of the
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first services to be included in the model.
How it applies to maternity
Specifically, the NHS is pledging to reduce the number of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal mortality and serious brain injury by 50% in England. They are aiming to offer 20% of women this year continuity of care not just during pregnancy but also during birth and postnatally. If this is implemented, this could provide invaluable support to women who have suffered a traumatic birth. This is especially relevant as a recent report showed that only 53% of women said they were
How it applies to maternity
Specifically, the NHS is pledging to reduce the number of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal mortality and serious brain injury by 50% in England. They are aiming to offer 20% of women this year continuity of care not just during pregnancy but also during birth and postnatally. If this is implemented, this could provide invaluable support to women who have suffered a traumatic birth. This is especially relevant as a recent report showed that only 53% of women said they were
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‘definitely’ given adequate information after birth about their physical recovery. The plan vows to spend over two billion pounds on mental health care. This includes the quality of, and access to, perinatal mental health care. It also pledges to allow all women digital access to their maternity records by 2023.
What this means in reality
It’s too early to speculate how this will change the experience of birth and aftercare for women in England. However, it’s certainly a giant step in a positive direction. It’s an acknowledgement that this is
What this means in reality
It’s too early to speculate how this will change the experience of birth and aftercare for women in England. However, it’s certainly a giant step in a positive direction. It’s an acknowledgement that this is
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an area of health in dire need of support. The inclusion of a focus not just on birth, but on support after, is an important factor in having a child. Mothers often require help and support after birth rather than just during pregnancy.
It is not certain from the plan exactly how the objectives will be achieved. The aims are ambitious and will surely require a larger dedicated workforce to help the maternity aims succeed. Time will tell how and when the details will be communicated and set into action. For me, it gives a sense of hope and empowerment
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that women are being considered and listened to when it comes to birth. It’s not much to ask for more support during a potentially wonderful, and stressful, time.
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