Trauma in Maternity Care

A select committee in New South Wales has been established to investigate the experience and prevalence of birth trauma, after 30 women lodged a formal complaint against Wagga Wagga Base Hospital to the NSW Health Care Complaints Commision (HCCC). The Upper House Committee consisting of nine members will be chaired by Animal Justice MLC, the Hon. Emma Hurst. This gender-based violence against women is a systemic issue affecting more than 1 in 10 Australian women.

The investigation aims to report on the short and long term physical, emotional, economic and psychological impacts of birth trauma affecting not only mothers but their families and health workers. The investigation will explore ‘the availability of, and systemic barriers to, trauma-informed care being provided during pregnancy, during birth and following birth’. Evaluating the prevalence of obstetric violence, barriers to continuity of care, and the impact on minority groups such as First Nations people and young parents.

“Obstetric Violence results in a loss of autonomy and leaves a woman feeling confused and disempowered because they are conditioned by society to trust in the caregiver’s authority and knowledge.” When medical malpractice is involved in this power dynamic, women are more likely to experience higher rates of postnatal depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. This isn’t just a feminist issue, it is a family issue, a societal disgrace and total disregard of human rights. In an Australian survey women reported sexual assault, non-empathic care, coercion and bullying, with open text comments stating “I felt dehumanised,” “I felt violated,” and “I felt powerless.” This is a problem beyond the borders of NSW.

While this investigation is a New South Wales initiative, one may be hopeful that it ignites a fire within women Australia-wide to tell the stories of their own birth experiences within our maternity system. One thing is for sure, we will not be silenced. Birth is a sacred, intricate process that requires a respectful, evidence based, woman-centred approach. It is not good enough that the medical system continuously traumatises women in ways that are absolutely avoidable without accountability. It is my hope that more voices being are heard will influence a wave of collective change to maternity care and direct its trajectory toward safer, empowering and empathetic medical practice. Women’s birth experiences should, more often than not, be a positively influential introduction into parenthood. Such a memorable moment in a family's life should not be left behind as trauma. #enough

Your voice matters.

If you feel safe to share the story of your experience within the maternity system, follow this link or visit our website to share your story with us!

Mothers from NSW, the link to lodge a formal submission with the Upper Parliament committee is available here, Lodge a Submission (nsw.gov.au).

With love, your Doula,

Dionne