Latest news with #BirthTraumaAustralia
ABC News
2 hours ago
- Health
- ABC News
Birth trauma connected to poor mental health outcomes
A new study by Birth Trauma Australia has found that women who struggled to get a diagnosis for their injuries were 2.4 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how better to support women experiencing birth trauma. Also in this edition, we look at a new study that has revealed a third of young workers are exploited, plus after the accidental Federal Treasury document revelation, that the 1.2 million homes target would not be met, what will it mean for tackling housing affordability. A warning: This story contains discussion of suicide. Lifeline 131 114
7NEWS
3 hours ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
Shining a light on physical and mental impacts of birth trauma in culture of dismissing women's problems
Women who experience birth trauma are reporting high levels of unmanaged pain and physical injuries, leading to significant mental health impacts. Research by Birth Trauma Australia (BTA) has found distressing or emergency procedures and poor management of pain or physical injuries are the most significant contributors to birth trauma. The study has been released during birth trauma awareness week, held each year to highlight the issue and provide support to women and their families. Birth injuries are linked to a range of physical, psychological and social impacts including conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, painful sex and urinary incontinence. Relationship strain, reduced body confidence, difficulty returning to work and ongoing social or physical limitations can all be experienced as a result of these injuries. Yet many women face compounding delays in diagnosis and limited access to treatment. When birth injuries are left undiagnosed or untreated, it can significantly affect mental health. Almost 60 per cent of those diagnosed with a birth-related injury more than a year after birth reported severe mental health consequences, including suicidal ideation. A landmark inquiry into birth trauma by the NSW parliament attracted international attention as well as thousands of submissions from patients, doctors, midwives and experts around Australia. The final report released in 2024 found the rates of birth trauma were unacceptable and made 43 recommendations, including an overhaul of the health system. Yet little has been done on a national level. The current maternal health system was failing women, their families and care providers, BTA co-founder Amy Dawes said. 'Birth trauma is not new but it's just historically been shrouded in secrecy and there is an ongoing culture of dismissing women's problems,' she told AAP. 'At the moment, access to care after trauma is based on your post code, but we need a holistic approach that all women have access to.' Dawes experienced a traumatic birth when she had her first baby, which led to irreparable pelvic floor damage. 'My quality of life was completely impacted, I was told I couldn't play the sport I loved and shouldn't lift my child up,' she said. 'It took me to a very dark place, as I thought I was the only one who had experienced this.' A Facebook birth trauma support group for Australian women has close to 5000 members and provides a space for people to share their stories and advice. 'When women experience trauma from birth, they also experience shame, guilt and feelings of isolation,' Dawes said. 'But there is power in peer support ... there is also great power in storytelling, and it's not to scare people with traumatic stories, but knowledge is power.' BTA has launched a petition calling for a National Strategy for the Care and Treatment of Birth Injuries that would introduce mandatory postnatal screening, clear referral pathways and funded access to physiotherapy, psychological support and surgical or rehabilitative care. If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
Birth trauma 'dismissed, shrouded in secrecy'
Women who experience birth trauma are reporting high levels of unmanaged pain and physical injuries leading to significant mental health impacts. Research by Birth Trauma Australia (BTA) has found distressing or emergency procedures and poor management of pain or physical injuries are the most significant contributors to birth trauma. The study has been released during birth trauma awareness week, held each year to highlight the issue and provide support to women and their families. Birth injuries are linked to a range of physical, psychological and social impacts including conditions like pelvic organ prolapse, painful sex and urinary incontinence. Relationship strain, reduced body confidence, difficulty returning to work and ongoing social or physical limitations can all be experienced as a result of these injuries. Yet many women face compounding delays in diagnosis and limited access to treatment. When birth injuries are left undiagnosed or untreated, it can significantly affect their mental health. Almost 60 per cent of those diagnosed with a birth-related injury more than a year after birth reported severe mental health consequences, including suicidal ideation. A landmark inquiry into birth trauma by the NSW parliament attracted international attention as well as thousands of submissions from patients, doctors, midwives and experts around Australia. The final report released in 2024 found the rates of birth trauma were unacceptable and made 43 recommendations, including an overhaul of the health system. Yet little has been done on a national level. The current maternal health system was failing women, their families and care providers, BTA co-founder Amy Dawes said. "Birth trauma is not new but it's just historically been shrouded in secrecy and there is an ongoing culture of dismissing women's problems," she told AAP. "At the moment access to care after trauma is based on your post code but we need a holistic approach that all women have access to." Ms Dawes experienced a traumatic birth when she had her first baby which led to irreparable pelvic floor damage. "My quality of life was completely impacted, I was told I couldn't play the sport I loved and shouldn't lift my child up," she said. "It took me to a very dark place as I thought I was the only one who had experienced this." A Facebook birth trauma support group for Australian women has close to 5000 members and provides a space for people to share their stories and advice. "When women experience trauma from birth they also experience shame, guilt and feelings of isolation," Ms Dawes said. "But there is power in peer support ... there is also great power in storytelling and it's not to scare people with traumatic stories, but knowledge is power." BTA has launched a petition calling for a National Strategy for the Care and Treatment of Birth Injuries that would introduce mandatory postnatal screening, clear referral pathways and funded access to physiotherapy, psychological support and surgical or rehabilitative care. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Women who experience birth trauma are reporting high levels of unmanaged pain and physical injuries leading to significant mental health impacts. Research by Birth Trauma Australia (BTA) has found distressing or emergency procedures and poor management of pain or physical injuries are the most significant contributors to birth trauma. The study has been released during birth trauma awareness week, held each year to highlight the issue and provide support to women and their families. Birth injuries are linked to a range of physical, psychological and social impacts including conditions like pelvic organ prolapse, painful sex and urinary incontinence. Relationship strain, reduced body confidence, difficulty returning to work and ongoing social or physical limitations can all be experienced as a result of these injuries. Yet many women face compounding delays in diagnosis and limited access to treatment. When birth injuries are left undiagnosed or untreated, it can significantly affect their mental health. Almost 60 per cent of those diagnosed with a birth-related injury more than a year after birth reported severe mental health consequences, including suicidal ideation. A landmark inquiry into birth trauma by the NSW parliament attracted international attention as well as thousands of submissions from patients, doctors, midwives and experts around Australia. The final report released in 2024 found the rates of birth trauma were unacceptable and made 43 recommendations, including an overhaul of the health system. Yet little has been done on a national level. The current maternal health system was failing women, their families and care providers, BTA co-founder Amy Dawes said. "Birth trauma is not new but it's just historically been shrouded in secrecy and there is an ongoing culture of dismissing women's problems," she told AAP. "At the moment access to care after trauma is based on your post code but we need a holistic approach that all women have access to." Ms Dawes experienced a traumatic birth when she had her first baby which led to irreparable pelvic floor damage. "My quality of life was completely impacted, I was told I couldn't play the sport I loved and shouldn't lift my child up," she said. "It took me to a very dark place as I thought I was the only one who had experienced this." A Facebook birth trauma support group for Australian women has close to 5000 members and provides a space for people to share their stories and advice. "When women experience trauma from birth they also experience shame, guilt and feelings of isolation," Ms Dawes said. "But there is power in peer support ... there is also great power in storytelling and it's not to scare people with traumatic stories, but knowledge is power." BTA has launched a petition calling for a National Strategy for the Care and Treatment of Birth Injuries that would introduce mandatory postnatal screening, clear referral pathways and funded access to physiotherapy, psychological support and surgical or rehabilitative care. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Women who experience birth trauma are reporting high levels of unmanaged pain and physical injuries leading to significant mental health impacts. Research by Birth Trauma Australia (BTA) has found distressing or emergency procedures and poor management of pain or physical injuries are the most significant contributors to birth trauma. The study has been released during birth trauma awareness week, held each year to highlight the issue and provide support to women and their families. Birth injuries are linked to a range of physical, psychological and social impacts including conditions like pelvic organ prolapse, painful sex and urinary incontinence. Relationship strain, reduced body confidence, difficulty returning to work and ongoing social or physical limitations can all be experienced as a result of these injuries. Yet many women face compounding delays in diagnosis and limited access to treatment. When birth injuries are left undiagnosed or untreated, it can significantly affect their mental health. Almost 60 per cent of those diagnosed with a birth-related injury more than a year after birth reported severe mental health consequences, including suicidal ideation. A landmark inquiry into birth trauma by the NSW parliament attracted international attention as well as thousands of submissions from patients, doctors, midwives and experts around Australia. The final report released in 2024 found the rates of birth trauma were unacceptable and made 43 recommendations, including an overhaul of the health system. Yet little has been done on a national level. The current maternal health system was failing women, their families and care providers, BTA co-founder Amy Dawes said. "Birth trauma is not new but it's just historically been shrouded in secrecy and there is an ongoing culture of dismissing women's problems," she told AAP. "At the moment access to care after trauma is based on your post code but we need a holistic approach that all women have access to." Ms Dawes experienced a traumatic birth when she had her first baby which led to irreparable pelvic floor damage. "My quality of life was completely impacted, I was told I couldn't play the sport I loved and shouldn't lift my child up," she said. "It took me to a very dark place as I thought I was the only one who had experienced this." A Facebook birth trauma support group for Australian women has close to 5000 members and provides a space for people to share their stories and advice. "When women experience trauma from birth they also experience shame, guilt and feelings of isolation," Ms Dawes said. "But there is power in peer support ... there is also great power in storytelling and it's not to scare people with traumatic stories, but knowledge is power." BTA has launched a petition calling for a National Strategy for the Care and Treatment of Birth Injuries that would introduce mandatory postnatal screening, clear referral pathways and funded access to physiotherapy, psychological support and surgical or rehabilitative care. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Women who experience birth trauma are reporting high levels of unmanaged pain and physical injuries leading to significant mental health impacts. Research by Birth Trauma Australia (BTA) has found distressing or emergency procedures and poor management of pain or physical injuries are the most significant contributors to birth trauma. The study has been released during birth trauma awareness week, held each year to highlight the issue and provide support to women and their families. Birth injuries are linked to a range of physical, psychological and social impacts including conditions like pelvic organ prolapse, painful sex and urinary incontinence. Relationship strain, reduced body confidence, difficulty returning to work and ongoing social or physical limitations can all be experienced as a result of these injuries. Yet many women face compounding delays in diagnosis and limited access to treatment. When birth injuries are left undiagnosed or untreated, it can significantly affect their mental health. Almost 60 per cent of those diagnosed with a birth-related injury more than a year after birth reported severe mental health consequences, including suicidal ideation. A landmark inquiry into birth trauma by the NSW parliament attracted international attention as well as thousands of submissions from patients, doctors, midwives and experts around Australia. The final report released in 2024 found the rates of birth trauma were unacceptable and made 43 recommendations, including an overhaul of the health system. Yet little has been done on a national level. The current maternal health system was failing women, their families and care providers, BTA co-founder Amy Dawes said. "Birth trauma is not new but it's just historically been shrouded in secrecy and there is an ongoing culture of dismissing women's problems," she told AAP. "At the moment access to care after trauma is based on your post code but we need a holistic approach that all women have access to." Ms Dawes experienced a traumatic birth when she had her first baby which led to irreparable pelvic floor damage. "My quality of life was completely impacted, I was told I couldn't play the sport I loved and shouldn't lift my child up," she said. "It took me to a very dark place as I thought I was the only one who had experienced this." A Facebook birth trauma support group for Australian women has close to 5000 members and provides a space for people to share their stories and advice. "When women experience trauma from birth they also experience shame, guilt and feelings of isolation," Ms Dawes said. "But there is power in peer support ... there is also great power in storytelling and it's not to scare people with traumatic stories, but knowledge is power." BTA has launched a petition calling for a National Strategy for the Care and Treatment of Birth Injuries that would introduce mandatory postnatal screening, clear referral pathways and funded access to physiotherapy, psychological support and surgical or rehabilitative care. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
West Australian
6 hours ago
- Health
- West Australian
Birth trauma 'dismissed, shrouded in secrecy'
Women who experience birth trauma are reporting high levels of unmanaged pain and physical injuries leading to significant mental health impacts. Research by Birth Trauma Australia (BTA) has found distressing or emergency procedures and poor management of pain or physical injuries are the most significant contributors to birth trauma. The study has been released during birth trauma awareness week, held each year to highlight the issue and provide support to women and their families. Birth injuries are linked to a range of physical, psychological and social impacts including conditions like pelvic organ prolapse, painful sex and urinary incontinence. Relationship strain, reduced body confidence, difficulty returning to work and ongoing social or physical limitations can all be experienced as a result of these injuries. Yet many women face compounding delays in diagnosis and limited access to treatment. When birth injuries are left undiagnosed or untreated, it can significantly affect their mental health. Almost 60 per cent of those diagnosed with a birth-related injury more than a year after birth reported severe mental health consequences, including suicidal ideation. A landmark inquiry into birth trauma by the NSW parliament attracted international attention as well as thousands of submissions from patients, doctors, midwives and experts around Australia. The final report released in 2024 found the rates of birth trauma were unacceptable and made 43 recommendations, including an overhaul of the health system. Yet little has been done on a national level. The current maternal health system was failing women, their families and care providers, BTA co-founder Amy Dawes said. "Birth trauma is not new but it's just historically been shrouded in secrecy and there is an ongoing culture of dismissing women's problems," she told AAP. "At the moment access to care after trauma is based on your post code but we need a holistic approach that all women have access to." Ms Dawes experienced a traumatic birth when she had her first baby which led to irreparable pelvic floor damage. "My quality of life was completely impacted, I was told I couldn't play the sport I loved and shouldn't lift my child up," she said. "It took me to a very dark place as I thought I was the only one who had experienced this." A Facebook birth trauma support group for Australian women has close to 5000 members and provides a space for people to share their stories and advice. "When women experience trauma from birth they also experience shame, guilt and feelings of isolation," Ms Dawes said. "But there is power in peer support ... there is also great power in storytelling and it's not to scare people with traumatic stories, but knowledge is power." BTA has launched a petition calling for a National Strategy for the Care and Treatment of Birth Injuries that would introduce mandatory postnatal screening, clear referral pathways and funded access to physiotherapy, psychological support and surgical or rehabilitative care. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Perth Now
7 hours ago
- Health
- Perth Now
Birth trauma 'dismissed, shrouded in secrecy'
Women who experience birth trauma are reporting high levels of unmanaged pain and physical injuries leading to significant mental health impacts. Research by Birth Trauma Australia (BTA) has found distressing or emergency procedures and poor management of pain or physical injuries are the most significant contributors to birth trauma. The study has been released during birth trauma awareness week, held each year to highlight the issue and provide support to women and their families. Birth injuries are linked to a range of physical, psychological and social impacts including conditions like pelvic organ prolapse, painful sex and urinary incontinence. Relationship strain, reduced body confidence, difficulty returning to work and ongoing social or physical limitations can all be experienced as a result of these injuries. Yet many women face compounding delays in diagnosis and limited access to treatment. When birth injuries are left undiagnosed or untreated, it can significantly affect their mental health. Almost 60 per cent of those diagnosed with a birth-related injury more than a year after birth reported severe mental health consequences, including suicidal ideation. A landmark inquiry into birth trauma by the NSW parliament attracted international attention as well as thousands of submissions from patients, doctors, midwives and experts around Australia. The final report released in 2024 found the rates of birth trauma were unacceptable and made 43 recommendations, including an overhaul of the health system. Yet little has been done on a national level. The current maternal health system was failing women, their families and care providers, BTA co-founder Amy Dawes said. "Birth trauma is not new but it's just historically been shrouded in secrecy and there is an ongoing culture of dismissing women's problems," she told AAP. "At the moment access to care after trauma is based on your post code but we need a holistic approach that all women have access to." Ms Dawes experienced a traumatic birth when she had her first baby which led to irreparable pelvic floor damage. "My quality of life was completely impacted, I was told I couldn't play the sport I loved and shouldn't lift my child up," she said. "It took me to a very dark place as I thought I was the only one who had experienced this." A Facebook birth trauma support group for Australian women has close to 5000 members and provides a space for people to share their stories and advice. "When women experience trauma from birth they also experience shame, guilt and feelings of isolation," Ms Dawes said. "But there is power in peer support ... there is also great power in storytelling and it's not to scare people with traumatic stories, but knowledge is power." BTA has launched a petition calling for a National Strategy for the Care and Treatment of Birth Injuries that would introduce mandatory postnatal screening, clear referral pathways and funded access to physiotherapy, psychological support and surgical or rehabilitative care. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
