Returning to work after a traumatic birth
Modern medicine should make childbirth safer than ever before. However, in reality, the UK is seeing a swathe of maternity scandals and widespread inquiries into the failings in maternity care across multiple NHS trusts.
Traumatic births are far from a thing of the past and can cause physical and psychological injuries, both of which require a substantial period to adapt to a new normal at home, out in public, and then in considering return to work.
Research shows one in three women report their birth experience as traumatic, and around four-five percent develop PTSD following childbirth every year.
The Birth Trauma Association defines birth trauma as symptoms of distress you might experience after going through, or witnessing, a traumatic birth. And the impact can be long term and permanent.
Returning to work
The question of when to return to work is a difficult one for any new mother or parent and often carries feelings of anxiety over being separated from your baby for the first time and the logistical juggle of combining both worlds.
For women or parents who have sustained physical and psychological injuries after birth trauma, this conundrum becomes all the more complicated.
For example, women who have suffered 3rd and 4th degree perineal tearing or prolapse injuries during delivery can experience symptoms such as faecal incontinence. They may find themselves having to go to the bathroom more often, having trouble holding stool and also difficulty controlling wind.
This can cause a lot added anxiety for women returning to work and the taboo surrounding this topic does not help. It creates worry for the commute, for meetings, for open office environments and shared same sex bathroom facilities.
Being separated from your baby by some distance can also create more anxiety for a parent still navigating the psychological impact of a traumatic birth.
There may have had to be a delay to the planned return to work date which can create a feeling of guilt for parents and worry about their role on their return. Parents may question their job security or future aspirations and goals. It is even a significant financial concern which adds to the pressure.
Returning to work – potential options
I was fortunate enough to have completed a secondment at an employment law firm where I gained valuable insight into the options which may be available for employees who have just given birth.
A few examples include:
- Maternity leave/pay
- Flexible working requests
- Phased returns
- Mentors and coaching
In England, eligible employees can currently take up to 52 weeks of statutory maternity leave although some companies have policies that extend this period so it is always worth reading your employee handbook. Statutory maternity pay is also available but again, an employer can choose to increase this amount via their own company policy.
Eligible employees also have the right to make a statutory flexible working request upon returning from maternity leave. They can request to change their hours or place of work. The request must be made in writing and an employer must agree to this unless there is a genuine business reason not to.
Having the option to work flexibly can help with worries over travel or avoiding lengthy commutes in peak times. It can allow for ongoing medical appointments or childcare arrangements to help ease adjustments.
The law on disability discrimination is complex but it is worth noting employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities that are recognised by the law. This might include ensuring there are private toilet facilities and spaces for rest.
Phased returns could help the mother or parent navigate the huge shift a lot more slowly to help adapt and to make changes where needed to ensure a more successful return to work.
This blog is for information purposes only and is intended to encourage discourse around the potential options mothers who have suffered a traumatic birth injury have available to them.
At BBK we believe society should be doing more to remove the stigma of discussing traumatic birth injuries, whether that be in the context of returning to work or otherwise.
Support
If you need support navigating the return to work following your traumatic birth, there are many charities and organisations that can help. I have included some links below to some helpful pages.
