The Birth Trauma Report Reaction – in discussion with MASIC
In this episode, Hannah Travis, Associate in the Women’s Health team speaks to Chloe Oliver, CEO of the MASIC foundation and with Olivia Boschat, an Associate also in the Women’s Health team at BBK. They discuss their initial response to the Birth Trauma Inquiry and their thoughts and feelings on the report and its findings.
We know that the findings within the report and the subsequent press coverage has been triggering for many survivors of Birth Trauma. If you are struggling, please contact one of the organisations listed below:
MASIC: info@masic.org.uk or 0808 1640 8333
MASIC supports people who have experienced injuries as a result of birth.
For help and support please visit their website.
Birth Trauma Association peer support:
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.
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 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.
This offers support for parents and families of premature and sick babies. You can request a video call if you prefer.
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.
SANDS: 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.
GP or health visitor: You can also contact your GP or health visitor if you want support with your mental health. If you feel daunted by the prospect of speaking to a health professional about how birth trauma has affected you, this site has some suggestions that may help.
