Birth Trauma Awareness: A Healthy Baby Isn't All That Matters - You Matter!
- Charlotte
- Feb 18, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 23
This is my purpose - the reason I do what I do. And yes, sometimes it feels like a drop in the ocean, but that drop - the positive births, the joyful mamas - is f@*&ing worth it. Excuse my French…
Thanks to advances in modern medicine and our growing understanding of the physiology of birth, pregnancy and childbirth are generally safe today, and most babies are born healthy. But safety alone is not enough. Far too little is done to ensure that women and birthing people are supported mentally, emotionally, and psychologically - not just physically - through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
One of the most important things you can do to give yourself the best chance for a positive, empowering birth is to seek out an antenatal course that equips you with knowledge and confidence. These courses teach you about your rights, your options, and practical tools to advocate for yourself and your preferences throughout your journey. Being informed is not just empowering - it’s protective.
The statistics are sobering. According to the UK-based Birth Trauma Association, around 30% of women experience some symptoms of PTSD following birth, and about 4% go on to develop postnatal PTSD or birth trauma. That’s roughly 30,000 new cases each year in the UK alone - and the numbers are rising.
Most of these women gave birth to healthy babies. Yet the experience of birth can leave deep, long-lasting impacts on mental and physical health. And in many cases, trauma could have been prevented with adequate support and preparation. A healthy baby is precious - but it is not the only measure of a birth well experienced. Enough is enough.
This is not about blame. Everyone has a role to play. From the language we use with children and teenagers about birth, to the often sensationalised depictions in media and film, to the way care providers are trained - our culture still perpetuates fear, misinformation, and disempowerment. All of this exists within a larger context of systemic misogyny that continues to affect how women’s voices, bodies, and choices are respected.
I was reminded of this just the other day in a hospital ward, dealing with a severe migraine. The consultant - a well-meaning, middle-aged man - asked me to rate my pain on a scale of 0 to 10, clarifying that “10 is like giving birth.” Think about that for a moment. What seeds does that plant in the mind of someone who has never given birth? What message does it send about our bodies, our strength, and the experience that could be empowering, if supported correctly?
Without intending harm, some medical professionals inadvertently perpetuate fear and trauma, framing childbirth as something dangerous, uncontrollable, or even inherently painful. These experiences of fear often begin long before the baby arrives and can leave a lasting imprint. But here’s the truth: birthing bodies are strong, capable, and resilient. We are not weak. We are often unprepared, misinformed, and unsupported.
There are encouraging signs of change - more trauma-informed care, better antenatal education, and growing awareness of mental health in maternity care - but we still have a long way to go toward a truly holistic, women-centred approach. Until then, the most powerful step you can take is to educate yourself and build your support network.
Surround yourself with people who will support your choices unconditionally: your birth partner, family, friends, antenatal educators, doulas, and other mothers. These allies can advocate for you during birth, provide emotional and practical support postpartum, and nurture you during the vulnerable early weeks of parenthood. You should never have to navigate this journey alone.
If you need guidance, support, or professional signposting, please reach out. You deserve a birth experience that is not only safe - but empowering, affirming, and trauma-informed.
Useful links
Pregnancy advice and support:
Postpartum support:
Birth Trauma Resolution:
Photo: Sarah Chai
