International women's day

International Women's Day is tomorrow and it’s a great time to reflect on the challenges that women face, particularly when it comes to healthcare. For many women, the experience of giving birth can be traumatic, and this trauma can have long-lasting effects on, not only their own, but their families, mental and physical health. Supporting mothers through birth and postnatally is essential, not just for individuals, but for the success of society as a whole. Here are some of the things we need to do to support women in the maternity system and prevent birth trauma.

  1. Provide education and information:

Education is crucial in preventing birth trauma. Women need to be informed about their options during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatally, and they need to be offered good quality education about the potential risks and benefits of various interventions.

2. Encourage shared decision-making:

Shared decision-making is essential in ensuring that women receive the care they want and need. This means that women are involved in the decision-making process and have access to all the information they need to make informed choices about their care. Shared decision-making can help to prevent birth trauma by empowering women and giving them control over their experience.

3. Ensure continuity of care:

Continuity of care is important in preventing birth trauma. Women should have access to consistent services throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatally. Preferably women will see the same midwives, consultants and health visitors throughout their care. This can help to build trust between the woman and her healthcare professionals and ensure that she receives personalised care that meets individual needs.

4. Provide emotional support:

Giving birth can be an emotional experience, and women need emotional support to help them through it. This can include support from a partner, family member, or friend, as well as from healthcare providers. Emotional support can help to prevent birth trauma by providing women with a sense of safety and security. We need to ensure that hospital policy encourages and supports birth partners, doulas and family members to be present and available for the mother.

5. Address systemic issues:

There are systemic issues within the maternity system that contribute to birth trauma. These include a lack of resources, inadequate staffing, and a focus on medical interventions rather than individualised care. To prevent birth trauma, we need to address these systemic issues and work to create a maternity system that priorities women's needs and preferences.

In conclusion, preventing birth trauma requires a holistic approach that focuses on education, shared decision-making, continuity of care, emotional support, and systemic change. By working together, we can create a maternity system that supports women and ensures that they have a positive birth experience.

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