Catch up on my Instagram live with @hazelkeedle and @drfeeleyrm talking about the U.K. birth trauma enquiry.

On 9 January 2024, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on birth trauma in the UK Parliament will set up an inquiry to investigate the reasons for traumatic birth and to develop policy recommendations to reduce the rate of birth trauma. Research shows that about 4-5% of women develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after giving birth – equivalent to approximately 25,000-30,000 women every year in the UK. Studies have also found that a much larger number of women – as many as one in three – find some aspects of their birth experience traumatic. Birth Trauma affects 30,000 women across the country every year. 53% of women who experienced birth trauma are less likely to have children in the future and 84% of women who experienced tears during birth, did not receive enough information about birth injuries ahead of time.  

The cross-party inquiry is led by Theo Clarke MP and Rosie Duffield MP and aims to find out more about the experiences of women who have been affected by traumatic birth. The inquiry is currently gathering written and oral evidence to inform the policy report which will include practical policy recommendations for the UK Government and will be published in Spring 2024.  Seven sessions to hear evidence will run on consecutive Mondays in Parliament between 5 February and 18 March 2024. 

The inquiry is inviting written submissions both from parents and from professionals who work in maternity. It is open to everyone in the UK, and we particularly welcome submissions from people from marginalised communities such as those who are racially minoritised, LGBT, economically disadvantaged, homeless, asylum seeking or displaced, care experienced, neurodivergent or facing any other circumstances which means their voice is less likely to be heard.   

The inquiry will report in April 2024. 
If you feel distressed as a result of sharing your story, either in writing or in person, please contact one of the organisations listed below: 
💜@birth_trauma_association_uk peer support: support@birthtraumaassociation.org.uk 
The Birth Trauma Association supports parents who have been affected by traumatic birth. Its email is staffed by peer supporters who have all themselves experienced birth trauma. 
💜 @birthbetter Make Birth Better: hello@makebirthbetter.org Make Birth Better also supports parents affected by birth trauma as well as professionals affected by vicarious trauma. Their email is staffed by mental health professionals (psychologists and a psychiatrist). 
💜 @pandas_uk helpline: 0808 1961 776 
PANDAS supports parents with prenatal or postnatal depression, as well as other perinatal mental health challenges. Its helpline is open Monday to Friday between 10am and 5pm. 
💜 @blisscharity : hello@bliss.org.uk 
This offers support for parents and families of premature and sick babies. You can request a video call if you prefer. 
💜 @masicfoundation info@masic.org.uk or 0808 1640 8333 
MASIC supports people who have experienced injuries as a result of birth. 
💜National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 
The helpline is run by the charity Refuge. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and offers free and confidential advice. A translation service is available if English is not your first language. 
💜Samaritans: 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org 
The Samaritans helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is available to anyone experiencing emotional distress. 
💜 @sandscharity : 0808 164 3332 or helpline@sands.org.uk. 
You can call the helpline if you need support after the death of a baby, whether it was recent or long ago. It is open from 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday and 6pm to 9pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.