A free public webinar will take place this week to discuss the elephant in the delivery room – maternal birth trauma.
Hosted by Newcastle-based health lawyer and former midwife Linda Crawford, the Thursday 21 July forum is set to focus on its causes and impacts, plus the legal remedies and other support for women, who have experienced such distress, and their partners.
Ms Crawford said birth trauma was more common than people thought.
“One-in-three Australian women experience it with injuries to the mother, child or both,” she explained.
“One-in-four first time mothers sustain significant harm.
“Maternal birth trauma can result in both physical and psychological injuries – and it is common for a woman to have both.
“We need to talk more about what is the elephant in the delivery room.
“Despite how common it is, it is not often discussed, even among women.”
Ms Crawford said historically there had been a well-intentioned and appropriate emphasis on the health of babies.
But, sometimes this gets taken to “no matter the cost to the mother”.
“Birth trauma experienced by mothers has been trivialised by some doctors and other people in the past,” she stated.
“So, many of them are reluctant to speak up about their birthing ordeals, including when the trauma has been caused by medical negligence.
“Government policy is heavily weighted towards encouraging women to have vaginal deliveries over caesarean sections.
“The focus is sensibly shifting to empowering women with full information about all modes of birthing – their benefits and risks.
“From the many birth trauma medical negligence cases we have run, we know there are risks with all birthing options, which should be pointed out to women by health professionals.
“Women should be able to choose the birthing option that is right for them – without guilt or shame.”
Timely, the webinar is being staged during Maternal Birth Trauma Awareness Week (17-24 July).
Ms Crawford also discusses the topic in her law firm’s free podcast Growing Stronger.
To register for the webinar and receive the ZOOM link, visit the Eventbrite website or phone Catherine Henry Lawyers on 1800 874 949.
Information and support for women experiencing birth trauma is available from the Australasian Birth Trauma Association.
Maternal birth trauma awareness webinar
When: Thursday July 21
Time: 6pm to 7pm
Where: Online via ZOOM
