The NSW Parliament, Select Committee on Birth Trauma published its first report in May 2024, following 4000 submissions and a number of public hearings as a result of the landmark birth trauma inquiry.
Birth trauma affects many families and can have a significant physical, emotional and psychological impact. The recent report provides important insights into the prevalence and impact of birth trauma as well as necessary reforms to address birth trauma effectively. This article summarises the key findings and recommendations from the report, offering a clear understanding for those affected by birth trauma and those seeking to support them.
Key Findings from the NSW Report
The report summarised 5 key findings as set out below:
- There are many individuals who have suffered preventable birth trauma in New South Wales and the experiences of the people who gave evidence to this inquiry is distressing and unacceptable.
- That urgent efforts must be made to address avoidable and preventable factors that contribute to birth trauma.
- That in some cases of birth trauma, women have recounted that they perceived this as a form of violence.
- That prospective parents need to be provided with clear and comprehensive education about all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth so that consent given to any obstetric intervention is fully informed.
- That a ‘one size fits all’ approach is inadequate for the New South Wales maternity care system and that tailoring care to meet the needs of individuals is essential for improving outcomes.
Recommendations for Improvement
The report makes 43 recommendations for improvements in NSW maternity care. In summary, the recommendations focus on the below areas.
Policy and Legislative Changes: To address birth trauma systematically, the report recommends several policy and legislative changes. These include mandating reporting of birth trauma incidents, creating standardised care protocols, and ensuring accountability in healthcare practices. The recommendations propose making advisory group memberships public and publishing meeting minutes online. Additionally, they suggest reviewing and updating hospital policies on birthing interventions to ensure they are evidence-based and support informed consent. By implementing these changes, the aim is to create a safer and more supportive environment for birthing parents.
Funding: There are several recommendations made in relation to government funding. It is recommended that the government fund research into birth trauma to improve knowledge and practices related to preventing and managing birth trauma along with making investments into the midwifery and GP Obstetric workforce to expand continuity of care models, particularly in rural and remote areas. Additionally, funding is recommended for psychological support and essential postpartum services including physiotherapy to assist women to recover from birth related pelvic floor injuries.
Education and training: The report makes recommendations in relation to comprehensive education and training across various aspects of maternity care. It recommends training programs for health care providers including better education on recognising and managing birth trauma, as well as training in communication and empathy to support affected families.
Additionally, it recommends accessible breastfeeding support for parents and advocates for the development of evidence-based antenatal education programs that empower expectant parents with essential knowledge about childbirth. The report suggests making birth plans readily available to guide parents through informed decision-making during the birthing process. Improved education and training aim to reduce the incidence of trauma and ensure that healthcare providers can offer appropriate support when it occurs.
Improved Support Services: The report calls for the expansion of support services for those affected by birth trauma. This includes providing access to specialised counselling, peer support groups, and comprehensive postnatal care. Ensuring that families have access to these resources is crucial for their recovery and long-term well-being.
Diversity: Addressing diverse needs in maternity care is highlighted, advocating for culturally safe practices and improving accessibility for LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and diverse cultural backgrounds. This includes tailored education and training for healthcare practitioners to ensure equitable care delivery.
Miscarriage & stillbirth: The recommendations prioritise creating dedicated spaces in healthcare settings for parents experiencing miscarriage or stillbirth, separate from new mothers and babies. It also calls for comprehensive training on bereavement support for maternity healthcare providers to assist grieving families during these difficult times.
Conclusion
The NSW Parliamentary report on birth trauma provides vital insights into the prevalence and impact of this significant issue. We hope that the recommended changes will be implemented and lead to both a reduction in the incidence of birth trauma and improved support for those affected. Families deserve compassionate care and effective support during one of the most important times in their lives.
If you would like to read the full report it can be accessed at the following link: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/lcdocs/inquiries/2965/FINAL%20Birth%20Trauma%20Report%20-%2029%20April%202024.pdf
How We Can Help
At The Law Office of Conrad Curry, we understand the profound impact birth trauma can have on families and have represented many clients who have experienced birth trauma. Our experienced team of medical negligence lawyers is dedicated to supporting you through this challenging time. We provide compassionate legal advice and representation to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been affected by birth trauma, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
DISCLAIMER
This article reflects the current law at the time of publication. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The actual decisions in each case are summarised for general understanding. For specific legal guidance in relation to your situation, please consult with a qualified legal professional.
