Birth Trauma Inquiry’s recommendations welcome but more work to be done, says BPS

The findings of the first UK inquiry into birth trauma have been presented to the Health Secretary this week. 

The report sets out how maternity and postnatal care can be improved for women and birthing people who have experienced traumatic childbirths.

Responding to the Birth Trauma Inquiry's recommendations, Dr Camilla Rosan, Chair of the Division of Clinical Psychology's Faculty of Perinatal Psychology, said: 

"We applaud the bravery of everyone who shared their experiences with the Inquiry. Experiencing a traumatic childbirth can be extremely distressing and has a devastating psychological impact if people cannot access therapeutic treatments when they are needed."

"Access to psychologically-informed perinatal care must not be a postcode lottery. The recent establishment of maternal mental health services in England is a welcome start, but it is clear from what we are seeing on the ground and from this report that these services are stretched too thinly. We must prioritise their establishment in all four nations and where they already exist, they need to be expanded with additional investment, including growing the maternal mental health workforce. 

"Only then will we see the culture change needed within maternity services, which will ensure all parents have access to the care and support they deserve."