Season two of Embracing the Mind is finishing with a special three-part investigation into childbirth trauma.
We were overwhelmed by the response from parents who wanted to share their experiences with birth trauma, so we wanted to give this issue the scrutiny it deserves.
The first two episodes are available to listen to today, World Maternal Mental Health Day. The final episode will be released in one week.
“I feel so honoured that I have been able to talk to parents about the obstacles they have had to overcome in starting a family,” said Embracing the Mind host and senior childhood trauma researcher Dr Alix Woolard.
While it’s a privilege to hear their stories, they are a reminder of how far we have to go to address failings in women’s and family health.
But Murdoch University and King Edward Memorial Hospital senior lecturer and clinical psychologist Dr Kelli MacMillan offered cause for optimism while discussing her research on sensitive birth-care plans in the series.
“If we can intervene for vulnerable women before birth trauma is triggered, we’ll see better outcomes for families, and reduced demand for government and healthcare services,” Kelli said.
“We are working towards a preventative model that will mean happier, healthier families.”
Embrace is supported by principal partner Rio Tinto.
If you or someone you know has experienced birth trauma and needs support, please see the following information.
PANDA
PANDA supports parents and families during pregnancy and throughout the first year of parenthood. They operate Australia’s only National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline for individuals, their families, support people and health care providers.
You can call the PANDA National Perinatal Helpline on 1300 726 306, Monday – Saturday.
More information: panda.org.au
Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)
COPE is a not-for-profit organisation devoted to reducing the impacts of emotional and mental health problems in the pre and postnatal periods.
COPE has information about birth trauma on their website here, and an up-to-date fact sheet on psychological birth trauma here. They also have a directory of supports and services available here.
Host Dr Alix Woolard finishes the second series of Embracing the Mind with a three-part investigation into childbirth trauma.