Conference Feature

The Birth Trauma Association

THE BIRTH TRAUMA ASSOCIATION (BTA) IS THE ONLY CHARITY IN THE UK FOCUSING ON THE ISSUE OF TRAUMATIC BIRTH.

Established in 2004, we have three simple aims: to raise awareness of birth trauma, to participate in campaigns and research to reduce the incidence of traumatic birth and, most importantly, to provide free advice and support for women and their families who are struggling to cope with the physical and mental aftermath of a traumatic childbirth experience. We collaborate extensively with the NHS and relevant healthcare professional bodies, and we welcome support from healthcare professionals engaged in perinatal healthcare development work.

Social media has provided us with huge opportunities to extend our support provision to women and families in need. Birth trauma and post-natal mental health still carries a significant social stigma, which means that many women feel unable to share their stories and feelings with family, friends and healthcare professionals. Through 1:1 peer support via private emails and social media the BTA is able to offer women a safe space in which they can freely talk about their experiences with other mothers. We are able to offer peer-to-peer support as well as advice and information on how to access the healthcare support available. Social media allows us a huge reach, and so the BTA is able to provide peer support to women across the country and internationally. In doing this, the BTA is able to actively reduce the social isolation so often experienced by women who have been through a traumatic birth. Our very active Facebook group currently has 4,500 members. We know that the women find the support offered by this group immensely valuable, and a number have told us that the group has saved their life.

For additional information please visit:

Facebook public page: Birth Trauma Association - UK
Facebook closed group (for birth trauma support only): Birth Trauma Association