Birth Trauma Australia - CEO Address

Dear Community

Eight years ago, when I co-founded what was then the Australasian Birth Trauma Association, I did so because I knew—both personally and from the countless stories I had heard—that birth-related trauma was an issue too big, too important, and too life-changing to remain in the shadows.

What started as a simple idea—a need to create a space for support, understanding, and change—has grown into something I could have only dreamed of. Over these years, I’ve spoken with so many of you: mothers, partners, families, and healthcare professionals, all navigating the realities of birth-related trauma in a system that has not always known how to respond. Your stories have shaped everything we do. They have been the driving force behind our advocacy, our education efforts, and our commitment to ensuring no one feels alone in this experience.

Today, we take the next step in that journey and transition into Birth Trauma Australia—a name reflecting our mission and the national impact we strive for. But while our name is changing, our purpose remains the same: to support, educate, and advocate so that birth trauma is recognised, prevented where possible, and better treated when it does occur. This moment is deeply personal for me. I have walked this road myself, and I know the shock of experiencing birth-related trauma and the weight of feeling unheard or unseen in the aftermath. But I also know the power of community, connection, and fighting for change together.

That is what Birth Trauma Australia stands for. I want to thank each of you—whether you have shared your story, sought support, contributed to our work, or simply followed along. This organisation exists because of you. And as we step into this next chapter, I do so with hope and determination, knowing that together, we can change the experience of birth for future generations.

To find out more, read our media release.