Australasian Birth Trauma Association | Non-profit organisation

Australasian Birth Trauma Association

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Businesses
• Non-profit organisation

25.01.2022 **Birth trauma rates expected to rise due coronavirus restrictions** Managing Director Liz Wilkes believed this is because women are experiencing less control in their birthing environments. "That's obviously to some degree unavoidable, but it does contribute markedly to increasing those levels of anxiety which then is leading on to an increase in psychological birth trauma," she said.... My Midwives Toowoomba If you've experienced birth-related trauma, please know that your feelings are valid. You may even be okay after the birth but perhaps your partner needs some support. Please ask for help, our peer service operates via appointment: https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/peer2peer-support-program/ or you can call: PANDA 1300 726 306 Lifeline 13 11 14 https://www.abc.net.au//birth-trauma-rates-tipped/12649590

25.01.2022 Just in case your mind is playing tricks on you, a reminder that you matter @healingfromptsd

24.01.2022 Today is our virtual Walk n Talk A huge thanks to everyone participating and to those that have donated. We are grateful for all the support. Covid has left many charities struggling, of course families dont stop giving birth during Covid and in these increased times of stress and uncertainty, there has been an increased need for perinatal health services. ... Thank you to all of you for enabling us to continue our vital work for the prevention and recognition of birth-related trauma. *Please remember to be Covid safe and we cant wait to see your pictures. Dont forget to tag us* #starttheconversation #ABTAwalkntalk

22.01.2022 Please know that your illness is not a burden. If you feel like talking about it, connect with one of our peer mentors: https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/peer2peer-support-program/ Or join our private support group for women that have experienced either psychological and/or physical trauma. https://www.facebook.com/groups/birthtrauma.org.au

22.01.2022 Great piece from Gill Castle. Birth injuries don't have to mean the end of being active. In Gill’s own words; As we all know, this story has a happy ending, and surely we all need to be reminded that bad times end and happiness is still possible. ... Trauma does not need to end in misery. There is always hope https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk//traumatic-birth_uk_5ff42

21.01.2022 Hello Gold Coast Mums! Last chance to join! Peer2Peer Meets peer support group is starting tomorrow and Wednesday 9.30am AEST (online) Come join a lovely group of mums to share your experiences and strategies to support our recovery and healing from birth trauma. ... *Birth doesn’t have to be recent!* Register now: https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/peer2peer-meets-support-gro/

21.01.2022 An excellent service for Brisbane families

21.01.2022 Do you know someone that recently had a baby? Have they spoken to you about their birth and perhaps you've assumed that everything is okay, or perhaps they've told you it was difficult but you've not known how to support them? The important thing is to just listen, sometimes that's all we need, to be heard, to feel completely like we're free of judgement and ultimately to know that our feelings are valid. Instead of "at least it's not..." try "your struggle is hard".... Instead of "it will get better", try "this hurts right now". Instead of "you're too sensitive" try "your feelings matter". We have information on our website dedicated to family and friends: https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/family-and-friends/ If you heard something validating (or invalidating) please share with us in the comments below

20.01.2022 Gold Coast Mums - last chance to join the P2P Peer Support group, commencing next Monday and Wednesday Come meet other mums who experienced birth trauma as we learn new strategies, connect and start to heal from our experiences together. To register:... https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/peer2peer-meets-support-gro/ See more

20.01.2022 Did you experience a severe perineal tear during childbirth? Our friends at The MASIC Foundation are exploring the impact of these injuries on the first 5 years of a child’s life. We support this because there simply isn’t enough research that shows the long-term impact of birth injuries and this needs to change. MASIC will use your responses to collate priority research in this area. ... We are looking forward to more collaboration in the future. TW https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Z7QMDKV Please share

19.01.2022 During Birth Trauma Awareness Week, our CEO, Amy Dawes, had the pleasure of presenting a webinar for the Australian College of Midwives (ACM). For the past 4 years, we have aimed to raise awareness for the forgotten voices in maternity care. The women that fall through the gaps in postnatal care because often, they don't recognise that they have experienced trauma for months or years later. Maybe a subsequent pregnancy is the trigger. Thanks to our peer mentor, Clayton, we a...re now able to share the voice of fathers that experience trauma from childbirth. Clayton is also speaking the unspoken, so other fathers (or partners) don't have to suffer in silence, unable to seek help because they need to 'man up' and put on a brave face. Whilst it's not uncommon for birth to not go as planned, a recent study from our friends Birth Trauma Association - UK cited that poor communication contributed to 9 out of 10 cases of birth trauma. So we must continue to #starttheconversation even though birth trauma awareness week has now ended. Thank you to all the brave members of the ABTA community who have shared their stories so that we can help educate, inform and empower our caregivers.

19.01.2022 G E N T L E R E M I N D E R [art/words: @themindgeek] Sometimes, I don’t need another definition, another sign of what something is, another infographic...Sometimes, I just need a reminder to breathe, a reminder to pause, a reminder to r e m i n d myself that I am doing enough and I am enough, in a time were everything feels more than enough; a year that, for the majority of the time, has + continues to feel too much. I hope you can take this gentle reminder with you,... as you scroll + beyond, should you need it. You don’t have to present a brave face to the world right now. Let whatever you do today be enough. Q U E S T I O N How are you really feeling right now? How’s your day been? Is there something you’re feeling anxious about? Or happy about? I’d really love to hear. Share below, if it feels safe doing so 5 Minute Therapy, my forthcoming book published by Penguin books, is out this December! Thank you all so, so much for all the preorders so far (+ putting up with what could only be termed ‘throwing-caution-to-the-wind-style-self-promotion’). Click the link in the bio if you’d like to preorder a copy. Love always, Sarah #checkin #selfreminder #youarenotalone #youareenough See more

19.01.2022 This is why we advocate for a collaborative and individualised approach to how we support birthing families. This includes providing access to evidence-based and unbiased information. If you are about to have a baby, you may find our antenatal information series useful: https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/thinknatal/ 'Midwives and doctors need to lead the way in ensuring that any birth, including caesarean birth, is free of stigma,' Maria Brooker - Birthrights... Did your birth leave you with a sense of failure?

18.01.2022 Posted @withregram @parenthoodinmind Image @mmhalliance. I know you thought she'd died when she was whisked away I know you panicked when they didn't bring her back I know you asked where she was ... I know they told you your partner was with her I know you ached to hold her I know you cried as they stitched you up I know every minute felt like an hour as you waited to hear news of her I know you felt scared when you first saw her behind glass I know you were scared to hold her at first I know you wanted to feed her but your milk just didn't come in I know you were scared taking her home I know you winced everytime they said "she's so small" I know you were afraid to take her out I know your mum has only seen her on Skype I know she has grown I know you have too I know that she knows you when she watches you intently when we talk I know you're a loving mum when you coo at her and calm her I know it's been hard I know you've been lonely I know You know That I see you both now And that you've found a lovely way with each other And that you've come through. Babies are impacted by birth trauma too. Parents may struggle to find their way with their babies after birth especially if they have been separated, and if the baby has needed to be in NICU. Babies and parents need practitioners who can see them both, and help them to find a rhythm with each other. Who can know what they've been through and support them both in a regulated, reassuring way. Someone who can see what's working in their relationship and who can point out and scaffold their particular strengths. So many of these interactions are currently missing for new parents - the weigh in, the clinic visit, the 6 week check, the group interactions at Children's Centres. If you've recently given birth and feel you need support in your relationship with your baby, please check out the tagged resources. If you feel more support is needed, feel free to get in touch with the Parenthood in Mind practice. #goodenoughparenting #parentinginapandemic #birthtrauma #nicu #prematurebaby #parentingaftertrauma #parentinfantrelationship #infantmentalhealth #BTAW20

18.01.2022 Truth! @tanishasnell_

17.01.2022 Last week for Birth Trauma Awareness week, our CEO has the pleasure of chatting with Steven Kennedy from Birthing Dads. Steven is on a mission to drive change after experiencing birth trauma from the birth of his son. Birthing Dads helps fathers support themselves, their partner and baby through pregnancy, birth and beyond.... This video may be useful for those of us that have partners that may have experienced trauma. Please know that there is support and you can find more information here: https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/fathers-and-partners/ Trigger warning: Emergency CS, NICU, PTSD

17.01.2022 And so ends Birth Trauma Awareness week 2020. So many brave families have shared their stories and their journeys with us and we've seen some beautiful connections made. Weve raised $25,000 thanks to the amazing people who raised funds and participated in the virtual walk. Thank you so much for supporting us and to all the beautiful comments on each supporters page - we see you. ... Our reach has been vast with women from all over the world sharing their stories and thanking us for providing a safe space to share. We will continue to share these stories because we matter and we deserve better care in the antenatal and postnatal period. Our collective voices will continue to be raised and we will not be silenced. Some stories may have resonated with you personally, others not - but perhaps someone else badly needed to hear that one instead. If anything youve seen over the last week has made you recognise something within yourself or a loved one, please connect with one of our peer mentors: https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/peer2peer-support-program/ Ultimately in the words of Brene Brown- 'the most powerful words when we're in struggle: "me too".' THAT is what birth trauma awareness week is about.

17.01.2022 The ABTA founder and CEO, Amy Dawes, is proud to be a part of this amazing event: The SO READY SUMMIT aims to bring you the information and experiences of mamas and their supporters as you navigate pregnancy and birth in 2020. We believe there is great value in sharing our collective stories and resources to smooth your journey into motherhood, whether for the first or fifth time. Join us at www.facebook.com/groups/soreadysummit/... Here you will find plenty of inspiration in niche and not-so niche areas that will help you along your pregnancy and parenting journey. Our line up of presenters come with an array of professional and lived experience to share insights into: -How to exercise safely in pregnancy -How to modify your yoga practice for your changing body (and use it as a birth tool) - Mothering after loss and IVF - Tools and techniques to "build your modern village" - Motherhood gets to feel good: combining motherhood and career - Preparing your older child(ren) for a new sibling - Birth after birth trauma - Pregnancy, birth and Aboriginality - Preparing for the arrival of a baby with a disability or illness - Pregnancy and birth as a migrant or refugee - Multiple pregnancy and birth - Pregnancy and mothering in a two mum family - Naturopathic support in pregnancy and post-birth - Pregnancy and newborn days as a solo parent - Mothering when you have a mental illness - Mothering as an expat (or away from your family) - Celebrating your pregnant self (and why maternity-wear doesn't have to be all black) - Crafting meaningful mother-blessings and ceremonies Therell also be a free prenatal Pilates session and more great inclusions are being added all the time! Join us at www.facebook.com/groups/soreadysummit/

16.01.2022 On our website we have a range of downloadable guides available to help you navigate your birth-related trauma. This includes information for women, partners, families and health professionals. Is there anything you would like us to see us include? https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/downloadable-guides/

16.01.2022 Reminder @spiritysol In case no one told you today mama- you are incredible. You are amazing. You are brave and beautiful (yes, even with unwashed hair, in yesterday’s clothes!) You are showing up- day after day- even though your mind is muddled and your heart is heavy and there seems to be no light at the end of this disasterous tunnel of a year. You’re carrying an impossible load. Juggling an insane amount. Homeschool or zoom school, work, partnership, parenthood, ment...al health, physical health.... Planning lessons, overseeing school work, jumping back and forth between screens - fifth grade math class on one, board meeting on another, kinder reading circle. Plus the daily rotation meals and snacks and dishes and laundry and more snacks - which is a full time job on its own. You. Are. Doing. It. All. And then some. And maybe it feels like no one sees you. Like your work is invisible- because at the end of the day, the house is still messy and you’re still in your PJs and dinner was from the freezer. Again. And maybe you’re scared- because you don’t know if you’re doing this right or if your kids are going to fall behind in school and you worry about their hearts and if they’re lonely, because they haven’t seen their friends in months. And maybe you’re tired. That deep, aching exhaustion that settles into your bones after months and months of holding it all. The hope, the needs, the fear, the grief, the anxiety, the never ending list of thoughts and tasks and the work of keeping tiny humans alive and the world spinning. But mama- you are seen. You are held. You are honored. You are an unsung hero of this wild world. So, keep on, brave and beautiful one. Raise your head high like the mighty queen you are, take another deep breath, and for goddess sakes, treat yourself to takeout tonight! . (Image inspired by my dear friend @canyon_mama who is one of the most badass mamas I know!) See more

16.01.2022 What is Matrescence and why does it matter? In modern day parenthood there is this assumption that everyone else is coping, everyone else is doing just fine. This is simply not the case. Thanks to Zelma from The Postnatal Project for the latest blog post. ... https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/what-is-matrescence/ See more

15.01.2022 Join our online private peer support group The ABTA support group is a safe, judgment-free space connecting women that have a lived-experience of birth-related trauma. https://www.facebook.com/groups/birthtrauma.org.au

15.01.2022 Someone on your mind? Let them know. Reach in, listen. Even if the birth seemed like it went well, don't assume it went as she had hoped. Help by asking new mums how they are feeling. Ask more than once. No new mum needs to struggle alone.... @lisa_wilkinson

14.01.2022 "That’s why the birth comparisons need to stop. As women we seem to feel the need to compare. To test and prove how much our bodies can take on, as partners watch and marvel at the superhero status we gain. There are so many different paths to becoming a parent and the fact that you may have not endured physical pain to get there, does not make your journey any less real or valid." Thanks for sharing this story Mamamia... https://www.mamamia.com.au/comparing-birth-stories/

14.01.2022 At least......... We LOVE this illustration from @midwifemarley that we found via @birth_trauma_association_uk This is sadly an all-too-realistic depiction of the experience that many new mums who have suffered a traumatic birth. The focus is all on the baby and the baby’s health and wellbeing is seen as what matters most. ... Meanwhile the mother suffers in silence and feels guilt at not feeling more grateful, more positive, happier. Who has heard people say the dreaded At least... sentence and how did you respond?

14.01.2022 Trigger This is ABTA member Leanne 20182020: https://www.instagram.com/p/CE5J3DFAVCN/ Leanne has been a valued part of our community since 2017. It is truly incredible to see how far she has come. When she first shared her story with us, she still (understandably) held a lot of grief and anger about her experience. She had experienced her birth trauma in 2011. ... The two videos we've shared on our instagram page are 2 years apart and you can see a difference in her and it shines through. Her life is so vastly different from what she could have ever imagined but she has a purpose and she is able to use her experience of sustaining a 4th degree tear and subsequent PTSD to educate health professionals. We are thankful to have shared the path with her as she continues to shine. You can read her full story on our blog. https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/undiagnosed-third-degree-te/

13.01.2022 https://www.abc.net.au//why-all-women-need-to-con/12830188

13.01.2022 Trigger warning: Infant injury, NICU, birth injuries She told us very casually, "Yes I can see he has Erbs Palsy and referred us to the hospital physic and the Royal Children's Hospital Brachial Plexus Clinic". We were handed some flyers, told to do a few stretches and were sent on our way."... Sometimes unpredictable things happen at birth, these are things no one can prepare you for. By sharing these stories we hope to encourage our care givers to always lead with empathy, allow families to process what they're hearing, to invite questions and really see them. Thank you Rebecca for sharing your journey with our community. Her story is one that represents post traumatic growth as it has driven her to chase her dream and she's now studying a nursing/midwifery degree. https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/3c-tear-and-infant-birth-in/

13.01.2022 Today our CEO will be presenting for the Australian College of Midwives (ACM). It is an incredible opportunity to represent the true face of women and families experiences of birth-related trauma. Since we launched in 2017 we see first-hand that It doesnt matter what kind of birth you had. Vaginal birth, vaginal birth with interventions, emergency C-section, planned C-section, epidural or not.no matter how normal it looks from the outside, you can still feel affected by ...it (equally people can go through even the most complicated births and come out the other side not feeling troubled). What links you to birth trauma is that, at some point during the process, you felt severely threatened and unsafe or you felt that your baby was unsafe and you experienced the helplessness and fear that goes along with that. In turn, we also support many women that don't identify the birth experience as traumatic but the impact of their injuries and the subsequent impact on their mental health. Birth trauma isn't about blame, it's about listening. One of the most striking themes we've found and in the latest research from the UK is how important health professionals are, in their relationship with you (and their fellow staff members) - before birth in providing honest, interactive discussion and thorough antenatal care, during birth in offering respectful and compassionate care (including shared decision making) and after birth in offering a listening ear and, where necessary, information about where to seek help. If youre reading this and wondering if youre still recovering from birth trauma the first thing is to stop the voices which tell you dont be silly or you should be happy or its your own fault. You dont need to feel happy, youre not being foolish, and you are definitely not to blame. During birth, youre at your most vulnerable, and if youve felt in any way unsafe during that time, its not surprising that there is an emotional fall out. We see you and we will continue to speak for those that suffer in silence. It seems so right to say right now R U Okay?

12.01.2022 I once told a woman not long postpartum that she’d really bounced back. I had no children of my own then, but she looked great and I thought it was what you said to new mothers. It wasn’t. After my first pregnancy no one spoke those words to me. It was something I longed to hear. I was actually really proud of my body, I just didn’t know I could be without being fit and toned. I wanted to smile at what I saw in the mirror.... I couldn’t. After my second pregnancy I suffered from postnatal anxiety, I drank a lot of coffee because I was up all night and I didn’t eat a lot because I always felt full, of nerves mostly. The weight just fell off me. Later I would find out about postnatal depletion. I kept telling everyone I’m fine, I’m fine I wasn’t. I went out one evening with some friends and someone greeted me with wow you’ve really bounced back. I thought about the previous night, my back to the wall at 2am breathing through the cries. My top in the car I had changed last minute because there was spew down it. The nipple cream on my bedside but how proud I was having succeeded this time with breastfeeding. The lack of self care I had time for right now. I thought about the immense change we go through entering motherhood, how utterly fragile yet strong we are. I wondered why we considered ‘going back’ to be more beautiful than becoming. When it isn’t. I thought all along I needed to hear those words. I didn’t. Thank you @jessurlichs_writer for this beautiful message #nomoreprebabybody #youareenough

12.01.2022 We think lots of parents in our community will relate to @filipajackson words Never in my life did I think I would post a picture like this to my manicured feed, and to be honest Ive ummed and ahhhed for the past little while over it. But here it is, no edits, no flattering angles, just me. Im not asking for sympathy or advice. I just want to share my truth. This is motherhood. Its not all cute selfies and baby giggles, its hard work! Its a constant battle between feel...ing like an utter failure and an absolute boss. On this day Skye had cried pretty much every second, she was inconsolable. Overrun with emotion I left her in the loving arms of her father, walked outside and sat in the car to cry. I felt weak, powerless, and defeated. But I have to remember Im not weak, Im not powerless, Im not defeated. I am strong! I am one badass mothafudger and this was just a moment, a moment amongst other incredible moments. So why did I take this picture? To remind myself that its ok to have moments like this, and they dont make me a bad mother, they make me real. See more

12.01.2022 Sharing the amazing messaging from @ruokday - please know that we are here. DM or book an appointment with one of our trained mentors: [email protected] It's #RUOKDay, a reminder that every day is a day to start a conversation that could change a life.... Today we're calling on Australians to learn what to say after R U OK? so they can keep the conversation going when someone says they're not OK. There's more to say after R U OK? Learn what to say when listening with an open mind Learn what to say when encouraging action Learn what to say when checking in Learn how to continue a conversation that could change a life. When we know what to say next we can help someone open up and find pathways to support long before they're in crisis. Learn what to say next and help us move closer to our vision of a world where we're all connected and are protected from suicide. Head to www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask (link in bio) #theresmoretosay #RUOK #RUOKeveryday

11.01.2022 Just in case anyone needs to read this... Before we know it, there will be closed doors and independence, and we will pine for the days when she needed to feel our hand on her back before she felt safe enough to drift to sleep. Thanks Pinky McKay

11.01.2022 An interesting article that demonstrates the power of our words and how we can do better. "A study from the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences suggests that our egos distort our perception of our empathy. When participants watched a video of maggots in a group setting, they could understand that other people might be repulsed by it. But if one person was shown pictures of puppies while the others were shown the maggot video, the puppy viewer generall...y underestimated the rest of the groups negative reaction to the maggots. Study author Dr. Tania Singer observed, The participants who were feeling good themselves assessed their partners negative experiences as less severe than they actually were. In contrast, those who had just had an unpleasant experience assessed their partners good experience less positively. In other words, we tend to use our own feelings to determine how others feel. Heres how that translates to your daily conversations: Lets say you and a friend are both laid off at the same time by the same company. In that case, using your feelings as a measure of your friends feelings may be fairly accurate because youre experiencing the same event. But what if youre having a great day and you meet a friend who was just laid off? Without knowing it, you might judge how your friend is feeling against your good mood. Shell say, This is awful. Im so worried that I feel sick to my stomach. Youd respond, Dont worry, youll be okay. I was laid off six years ago and everything turned out fine. The more comfortable you are, the more difficult it is to empathize with the suffering of another."

10.01.2022 As Feldman notes in the documentary, "not every family has a mother." So she studied gay men who had children via surrogacy, and in those couples, the primary caregiver of the child showed similar activation of the amygdala as women who had given birth. "The father's brain switches on to protect infant from harm," Feldman explains. That is, a "similar brain activation [happens] via a different pathway without pregnancy." https://www.romper.com/p/father-baby-bonds-are-more-profoun

10.01.2022 What is birth trauma? We, at ABTA, define birth trauma as a wound, serious injury or damage it can be physical or psychological (deeply upsetting and distressing) or a combination of both. Both mother and the father/partner can be affected by birth trauma. Birth trauma can also include an injury or the loss of a baby.... Birth trauma isnt one specific diagnosis, in fact we often see a range of morbiditys as a direct result of birth-related trauma. birthtraumaresolution says The symptoms of birth trauma can persist for many years. Some women may not go on to develop PTSD but they are still hugely affected on a day to day basis by their birth memory. Some women have many symptoms to cope with and some of these will be physical traumas. Birth trauma might be due to one single event that happened, or a mixture of things in pregnancy, during birth or after birth. Have you experienced or witnessed a traumatic birth or birth-related trauma? How would you describe it?

10.01.2022 Postpartum psychosis, I condition that is rarely talked about and very real. If you are thinking about reviewing your health insurance, please look at Care To Compare. They donate 100% of their profits to charities (including the ABTA). https://www.sane.org//psychosis-health-insurance-inequality

09.01.2022 This woman is Lexi. Lexi is 23. Lexi will navigate life managing the trauma from the birth of her daughter. She is determined and inspiring and we are grateful that she is talking about the unspoken. Your daughter will be so proud of you

09.01.2022 Belly Birth Using the name belly birth or something similar would go a long way to destigmatising c-sections and allow us to appreciate that birth is beautiful regardless of mode of delivery. What do you think? Would you like to see C-sections called Belly Births?

09.01.2022 Looking to chatting to Claire Foord from Still Aware.

08.01.2022 Thank you for sharing your story of PTSD after birth trauma @sinead.lehane This beautiful little human and I had a very low-risk, uncomplicated 9 months together and I was looking forward to meeting him earth side. My labour progressed without issue until the last half hour of Xavs birth when he got stuck (I later learned this was shoulder dystocia). For five minutes Xav was deprived of oxygen. The first glimpse of my baby was of him blue and floppy and lifeless. That imag...e is forever burned into my memory. I was in shock, confused and felt like Id done something wrong, because this wasnt supposed to happen to him. His silence in that room was deafening and as the medical team worked I was afraid to ask if he was alive. They cleared his lungs, he took a breath, everyone took a collective breath out and he was popped on my chest just long enough for me to register he was there before he was rushed out of the room and as quick as it happened he was gone and the room emptied. As I lay there all I could think was what the heck just happened!? and in the days/weeks/months that followed - could I have done something differently? Was this my fault? Long story short our little guy spent three days in NICU and recovered like a champion with no permanent complications. Today youd never know our bright, bubbly little person had the start he did. But I spent months looking out for any signs of brain damage and stressed about his breathing. Things I didnt know that I do now - Postnatal PTSD is a thing and it is different from postnatal depression and anxiety. Recovering from birth trauma takes time. For me it's not an everyday kind of thing. Its a trigger here and a flashback there. Its avoidance of some things and anxiety over others. Its being terrified itll happen again. Knowledge is power and it is SO important you feel empowered to advocate for yourself, ask questions and speak up during pregnancy and beyond. Talking is critical. Working through it is necessary. Finding support and being kind to yourself is key #brave #walkntalk #birthtraumaawarenessweek2020

07.01.2022 Who else relates? My youngest daughter always seems to do this when I’m out shopping @chrissyteigen is spot on with this caption: "if u are thinking about having children, wonderful! but know u can’t do shit alone ever again ever." Hang in there, mamas via @thegracetales

07.01.2022 Did you know tomorrow is GivingTuesday Australia? This means any donation the ABTA receives through our PayPal Giving Fund will be doubled (thanks PayPal). So, if you’ve been thinking about sending us some donation love, but haven’t got around to it yet, tomorrow is the day. Remember, we can only keep doing our important work through the generosity of donors, so every little bit counts. To donate on Giving Tuesday, see here: https://www.paypal.com/au/fundraiser/charity/356730...2 Heading into the festive season, there are many other ways you can support the ABTA, too. 1) Set us as your favourite charity on @PayPalAU and you can choose to donate $1 whenever you checkout with PayPal. See here: https://www.paypal.com/au/fundraiser/charity/3567302 2) If your workplace has a giving program, consider nominating the ABTA. 3) Instead of receiving gifts this year, ask your friends and family to make a donation to the ABTA on your behalf. 4) We know it’s been a tough year for everyone, so if donations aren’t possible, you can still support us every day by being an active part of the ABTA community. Share our stories on your socials, start the conversation, consider offering your skills as a volunteer or become a peer mentor. Despite the craziness of 2020, we have still managed to achieve so much this year, and this is all down to the growing influence of our community and the amazing support we have all shown each other through the tough times. We can’t thank you enough.

07.01.2022 So well deserved. Alongside the Gidget Foundation, we are incredibly honoured to have Prof Bryanne Barnett AM as a founding director of the ABTA. Over the years she has helped us ensure that we have psychological trauma represented by providing content and information for our website. Bryanne has also voluneered her time to help train our peer mentors, spoken at our trauma informed workshops, our conference, not to mention the ongoing support she offers our CEO. Thank you Bryanne for your commitment and passion to ensure the wellbeing of families all over the world

06.01.2022 Anxiety after birth trauma. Some beautiful insight from @drrebeecamoore 'It’s been a week for me of supporting women in the throes of perinatal anxiety. I wanted to come back to how this can feel.... Anxiety is talked about a lot more now, which is good. People know it exists and that it can be treated in lots of ways. But how does it feel? It’s not worry. It’s more. It’s a constant sense of dread. Creeping fear. Exhaustion. You may feel it in your throat or your back or your head or your tummy. It’s a full head of thoughts that swirl and pulsate all day long, unable to focus, unable to think straight. Unable to feel at peace or relax. Anxiety is common in pregnancy and after birth, at menopause, with major life events. It’s not to be hidden or dismissed. It is often brushed away as a first time mum perhaps or with a jokey comment that it’s just what goes with the menopause. Not true. Not right. Not helpful. There are many ways to feel and know your anxiety. To learn to track it’s triggers and tiny moments that start to soothe. Know anxiety can pass. It can be healed. Know it’s never your fault. Know if you are anxious in pregnancy it is not harming your baby. Do one tiny thing today and build on that, what soothes you? What distracts you? What gives a moment of peace. Map out those moments, weave them into your life. Tell a professional if you can feel able to. Explore therapy. Explore exercise. Try medication, supplements, CBD. Your anxiety, your mix. Your path to heal. To anyone in the midst of this today, you are so so strong. It can feel so lonely and tiring. Much love to all' x To read more about anxiety please follow this link: https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/anxiety-disorders/ #anxious #anxiety #pregnant #birth #postnatal #perinatalanxiety #postnatalanxiety #healing #psychiatry #pmad #anxiousmoms #anxiousmum Art by @juliabe

05.01.2022 For those of you thinking about buying some SRC shorts - today is the day $10 from every compression garment will be donated to the ABTA. Thanks for our friends at SRC Health for your support.

05.01.2022 So many people say to enjoy the special time with a newborn. For those of us that struggle or reflect back and remember the pain in our hearts or our bodies, we feel guilt. Guilt that were not more grateful, guilt that were resentful. A baby is born along with the guilt. But this is the reality for so many of us and by sharing our motherhood journeys, the highs and the lows, we are saying to someone else. Ive been there too. How did you find your first month postpartum?... Posted @withregram @alexhuanfacheng The first month after the birth of our little boy, the most difficult time for my wife. Ive been taking photos of my partner Zhiyu Chens daily life since 2013. I admire women. In the face of disease, pregnancy, aging and other conditions, women usually have to face more difficulties compared to men, but Zhiyu is so brave, especially in giving birth to our child. Zhiyu is not a model for me but a partner who is as powerful as me in the photos. I took a long look at myself, and I realized Ive gradually become a feminist. I hope my photos capture her divinity, her strength and vulnerability. We are strengthening our bond and share the same thoughts while selecting pictures. This series of photos is ongoing and will be a love letter from me over a lifetime. #alexhuanfacheng #alex_huanfa_cheng #huanfacheng

05.01.2022 We love this message from @miahemstad Navigating not-enoughness as a mother. I go through seasons. Seasons where I feel like I'm enough, and seasons where I feel like I'm no where near the mother I want to be for my kids.... This year, after over 3 years as a stay-at-home mom, my husband lost his job (pandemic-related), and within a week, I started working full-time at a non-profit, and I started my business. I've been transitioning to this new role, with it's stresses, benefits, and limitations. Along with this transition is how my motherhood has shifted since I'm not with my kids all the time, on top of the fatigue I feel because of PTSD/depression/pandemic/racism-related stress. I've finally been finding new ground this week after over 7 months of figuring this out, and I wanted to share this with you: 1. Loving and caring for your kids can look different for every one of us. Don't compare the way you show up for your family to others. 2. Loving and caring for yourself is essential no matter what role you're filling in your family. 3. You are the best mom for YOUR kids, and they are the best kids for YOU. 4. You are human. You get tired and stressed. Your kids are human. They get tired and stressed. Why not allow them to see that having the spectrum of emotions is okay rather than modeling to them that once they grow up they need to be doing-doing-doing all the time? I'm sending hugs, love, and strength to all the moms. This year has tested us in ways we've never experienced, and we're still standing. Be so proud of yourself. I am proud of us. #motherhood #momlife #honestmotherhood #motherhoodjourney #maternalmentalhealth #momssupportingmoms #womensupportingwomen #inspirationformoms #inspirationforwomen #mentalhealth #youareenough #livingwithPTSD #livingwithdepression See more

04.01.2022 Calling all Covid Warriors! I realised that if I could somehow forgive myself for being human, accept that it was natural to feel a degree of fear and guilt as a mother, and learn the importance of being kind to myself during a pandemic, then I would have acquired valuable tools to use for the rest of my life as a mum. So I did just that https://www.sbs.com.au//experiencing-pandemic-newborn-made

04.01.2022 Are you feeling confused, alone or isolated after your birth experience? Join our online private peer support group The ABTA support group is a safe, judgment-free space connecting women that have a lived-experience of birth-related trauma. Members of our group may have had a baby weeks, months or even years ago because the way a woman gives birth can impact the whole of the rest of her life. ... You do not need to suffer in silence. We see you https://www.facebook.com/groups/birthtrauma.org.au

04.01.2022 During the holiday season, please remember that most people are fighting a battle that can't be seen. Kindness in challenging times, should always be a priority

03.01.2022 Birth trauma can go unrecognised for a long time. Like many conditions that impact our mental or physical health - timely treatment is crucial. That is why we aim to #starttheconversation Many women in our support group are well past the perinatal period, its the same for partners. We need to work together to get better at identifying trauma. The impact of birth trauma is far-reaching and we need a healthy parent/s to raise healthy kids. ... Tonight were sharing Vesnas story It would take me a subsequent pregnancy and two and a half years to realise that I was living in a world where my body-mind was so out of alignment Trigger Warning: This birth story involves birth related psychological trauma, inverted uterus, haemorrhage and PTSD https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/an-inverted-uterus-and-psyc/

03.01.2022 I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability. Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Fighter. Activist. Supreme Court Justice. Defender of human rights. Legend. Posted @withregram @mums4refugees DEEPLY SAD NEWS: US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies aged 87 due to complications from pancreatic cancer. ... Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the demure firebrand who in her 80s became a legal, cultural and feminist icon,architect of the legal fight for women's rights in the 1970s, Ginsburg subsequently served 27 years on the nation's highest court, becoming its most prominent member. Justice Ginsburg died at her home surrounded by her family. Rest in Power! notoriousrbg #femenist #icon #rbg #supremecourt #ruth #ruthbaderginsberg #socialjustice #humanrights #feminism #women #abortion #roevswade

03.01.2022 Thank you for sharing so openly. Your story matters

03.01.2022 We love a Friday funny and this was too good not to share...

02.01.2022 A gentle reminder for you this evening. You are the sky, don’t lose hope, the clouds will always pass

02.01.2022 Healing is weird. Some days you're okay and you're doing just fine, other days it still hurts like it's fresh. It's a process with no definitive timeframe. You just have to keep going and know that when it is all said and done, you're going to be okay. Common Wild

01.01.2022 If youre a health professional reading this there are so many opportunities for learning here. In this post Traceys shares so many parts of her journey where she could have been caught, could have been respected, could have been seen and HEARD. Tracey vividly recalls the words of the doctors at her birth, her GP, her psychologist, the sonographer nurse, the colorectal surgeons assistant - WORDS MATTER.... If youre on your own journey recovering from birth-related trauma, please keep going and if you need helping finding that path please reach out Trigger Warning: This birth story involves positive birth of twins after 4th degree tear from a prior traumatic birth, and postnatal depression. https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/positive-birth-of-twins-aft/

01.01.2022 Thank you Kellsie for sharing your story with us. Trigger Warning: This birth story includes a traumatic birth and NICU experience including birth haemorrhage, thoughts of suicide and mistreatment by medical staff. If you are triggered by these topics you may wish to skip this blog or read it once you have support available. If you are seeking support for your birth trauma, you may wish to contact our Peer Support Service: https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/peer2peer-support-prog...ram "Our daughter was moved to a different area and we got a new nurse. She was extremely mean to me, and to this day thinking about the way she treated my daughter and I makes me cry. I remember I was in the recovery room pumping and our phone rings and it was Elianas nurse and she says, your daughters hungry, when do you plan on coming?. There was no nurse answering my call for a wheelchair as I was still very weak to walk, so I found the strength to stand up and wobble my way in pain down the hall. I put my breastmilk in the NICU fridge, and the nurse yelled and said I was not allowed to be in there. I wanted to cry, there were other parents in this room with their babies. I felt so embarrassed." https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/traumatic-birth-and-nicu-ex/

01.01.2022 Very cool to see this All on the Board

01.01.2022 BIRTH TRAUMA - In Stefanies words. . I am 1 in 3. This is my son and I the morning after he was born. The morning after what I would later describe as a traumatic birth experience. . Little did I know then the impact the trauma would have on me physically, mentally and spiritually.... . This week is birth trauma awareness week and I was grateful to have been asked by the Australasian Birth Trauma Association to share by birth story (featured today). . I chose to share by birth trauma story for several reasons. . The first is to draw awareness to the impact birth trauma has on the birthing person and their families. To give a voice to an often overlooked, lonely, and soul destroying experience. . The second is to highlight that our collective stories can be used to create change within the system. To share our stories is only one part of the puzzle. We must be asking why birth trauma is occurring at such high rates, how we can work to prevent other birthing people from experiencing birth trauma and hold systems accountable for the part they play in these statistics. . The third is to challenge how we view the term birth trauma to include anything that the birthing person perceives as traumatic. This may include hospital birth interventions, birth injury or a home birth which did not turn out as expected. It could be the lack of informed consent, birthing people feeling disempowered, uninformed or mistreated. . In sharing my story it is not my intent to normalize birth trauma. . I believe we need space for both our stories of trauma if they occur AND conversations and actions toward prevention. . My experience of birth trauma resulted in profound growth; becoming a doula, creating a peer training, supporting birthing people through my counselling and I know theres more to come. . Lets use our collective stories to educate, advocate, and question the very systems that may have led to our trauma. . In doing so, our voices will elicit the change needed to create new pathways for those who birth after us. . . . . #birthtrauma #birthtraumaawarenessweek #birthtraumaawarenessweek2020 #birthrights #melbournecounsellor #melbournedoula See more

01.01.2022 "After all of this I felt so isolated in the emotions, panic attacks, and anxiety. While friends and family were concerned, they just were not understanding what I was thinking and feeling. I cannot tell you how many times, instead of comfort, I have heard Well this wont stop you from having another baby. Ariana needed support and validation. Allowing someone to talk about their birth-related trauma (no matter how that trauma presents) = validation. ... Dismissing trauma happens even when kindness is the intent. Trying to encourage focus elsewhere or the "at least you have a healthy baby message, further deepens the impact and weight of the trauma that person carries. If you would like to receive support from people that 'get it', you will find a non-judgemental and empathetic space within our support group. Here you will find a diverse range of birth experiences; vaginal births, vaginal births with interventions, emergency C-sections, planned C-section, home births and everything in between. Our backgrounds, our beliefs and our opinions may be diverse but we all share the common ground that we don't want to feel alone and we want to be understood. #starttheconversation #birthtraumaawarenessweek2020 https://www.facebook.com/groups/birthtrauma.org.au/

01.01.2022 {NICU Babies} Being a NICU parent, You may have had to witness your baby be subject to invasive interventions, left alone and feel the fear that they may or may not make it. You may have had to leave your baby at hospital, while you return home. No choice. Separated. ... No one asked whether you’re okay. This World Prematurity Day we are all bound together by our common experience that has made us view parenthood and life very differently. Your experience has made you what you are today and you are one of us; the 1 in 10. Speak out and share your story, be proud of where you've been, what you've come through and where you are going. Let's acknowledge our journeys, celebrate where we are and help to raise awareness and support on this important day. Add your details and share this tile on your own social accounts. Posted @withregram @lltfoz #thankyounicu #worldprematurityday #yourstory #raisingawareness #nicubaby #nicu #BIRTHTRAUMA

01.01.2022 THIS PETITION CLOSES MIDNIGHT TONIGHT - 23/09/20 Australian Mum, Kerrie Edwards, has started a petition to adapt the Medicare benefit for abdominoplasty surgery to include mothers with postpartum abdominal separation. In 2016 Medicare withdrew the item number for abdominoplasty following pregnancy, without any public or clinical consultation. However, the Medicare benefit remains for significant weight loss. Pregnancy can cause similar abdominal injuries to obesity; injur...ies that cause debilitating long-term back pain and/or urinary incontinence. This negatively impacts the day-to-day quality of life for many women across Australia, affecting their ability to be physically active mothers. A study published in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: March 2018 - Volume 141 - Issue 3 - p 637-645, titled Abdominoplasty Improves Low Back Pain and Urinary Incontinence showed abdominoplasty significantly improves the incidence of chronic lower back pain and urinary incontinence in postpartum women. Women who seek abdominoplasty for purely cosmetic reasons should not be covered by Medicare, however those Australian women who suffer significant functional issues associated with their pregnancy injuries should be given Medicare assistance for life-changing abdominoplasty surgery. There are many operations performed for relief of chronic pain and instability incurred by sports injuries that are reimbursed by Medicare. Abdominoplasty associated with repairing pregnancy injuries should be considered in a similar light, in that it is a procedure that addresses pain, instability and function issues. Petition Request: The petition is asking the House to adapt the Medicare benefit for abdominoplasty surgery to include women requiring corrective surgery to improve instability, pain and functional issues associated with pregnancy injuries, thereby improving the quality of life of many women across Australia. Fiona Martin MP If this is an issue you care about, be sure to sign Kerrie's petition before midnight 23/09/20 : www.aph.gov.au/petition_list?id=EN1751

01.01.2022 The lead up to the birth of a baby is often a time filled with planning, from birth plans to buggies, nappies to nursing pillows, packing hospital bags, trying to prepare for labour and birth - so much to think about and so many unknowns. Yet the reality of new parenthood, or becoming a parent to more than one child....where is the preparation for that? This preparation is rarely taken into consideration. How will I be feeling, how will my birth partner be feeling? What supp...ort do I have in place for when I get home and how long will I need that support? For many birthing families, covid restrictions have meant that the usual support structures aren't available. Mental and physical recovery needs to be a priority and whilst navigating life with a newborn can be a surprisingly isolating and overwhelming time - you don't have to do this alone. Try making a list of the support services in your area some examples may include: Pediatrician Doctor: Midwife: Women's Health Physiotherapist: Chiropractor: Postpartum doula: Lactation consultant/Breastfeeding: Relationship counsellor: Perinatal social worker: Psychologist/Psychiatrist: Parent support group: Local play groups: Breastfeeding Support group Mental Health Support group Online support groups such as the birthtrauma.org peer support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/birthtrauma.org.au See more