Show support on social media
Spread the word on social media by sharing these images.
Don’t forget to tag @birthtrauma.org.au and use #BTAW2023 in your social posts.
Every birth is different. Each one is shaped by who we are, our bodies, our hopes, the care we get — and what happens during the time we thought would be a new beginning, for ourselves or someone else.
Some people come out of birth feeling strong and joyful. Some are changed in ways they didn’t expect. For many, birth trauma stays with us — in our thoughts, our bodies, our relationships, and in the stories we don’t always feel safe to tell.
This Birth Trauma Awareness Week, we’re making space for those stories.
We’re inviting Health Professionals across Australia and Aotearoa — midwives, obstetricians, nurses, GPs, and birth workers — to share a photo and three words that reflect experiences of being alongside others on their birth journey. What have you seen? What stays with you? What truths need to be told? Add your voice. Show the reality of birth — from your perspective.
We’re inviting people across Australia and Aotearoa to share a photo and three words that capture their birth experience, to speak their truth and be heard. Birth can be beautiful, traumatic, calm, chaotic — or all of these things at once. Every story matters. Every view counts.
We’re inviting people in Australia and Aotearoa to think about their birth experiences — in all their truth, difference, and depth — and to share three words that describe their birth journey.
These words might express grief, strength, anger, wonder, love, fear, or change.
There is no “right” way to feel. There is no ‘right way’ to birth.
We’ll bring these powerful words together with photos or art from across our communities to create a campaign that shows what birth really looks like — not just the perfect moments, but the full picture.
Because when we share honest stories, we help others feel safe to share too.
We show what’s often hidden. We change how people think about, talk about, and support birth.
HOW TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
We invite:
1 in 10 women emerges from childbirth with PTSD. The devastating impacts of this type of trauma suffer from a lack of awareness and progress, meaning that families continue to suffer in silence.
We will spread evidence-based information so that we can better prevent, diagnose and treat this type of trauma.
We aim to elevate the voices of parents and health professionals impacted by this silent epidemic by sharing their stories and real-life experiences and getting them in front of as many people as possible.
We want impacted individuals to know that they do not need to suffer in silence.
Postpartum PTSD is probably more common than most people realise. For some, symptoms of trauma may be treated as depression or anxiety. For others, ongoing symptoms aren’t noticed until some months after the birth – they may have been managed until they become too difficult to cope with. Lots of people may not realise they have trauma until they are pregnant or trying to conceive a second time.
We advocate improving screening and access to treatment, including greater access to affordable treatment options and, ultimately, better outcomes for all those affected.
As a volunteer-led organisation, we rely on donations so we can continue working towards our vision for physically and psychologically safer births and better postnatal care.
Join us in our proud collaboration with Ethical Jobs, as we continue fundraising during Birth Trauma Awareness Week. Together, we’re igniting change, raising vital funds, and spreading crucial awareness for those impacted.
Spread the word on social media by sharing these images.
Don’t forget to tag @birthtrauma.org.au and use #BTAW2023 in your social posts.
Safer births and better healing.
PO Box 403
Buderim QLD 4556
0412 445 770
support@birthtrauma.org.au
The information on this website is not meant to replace advice provided by a health professional.
Copyright © 2025. All Rights Reserved.
BTA is proud to work with the National Relay Service and Translation and Interpreting Service (TIS).
Artwork kindly provided by Hayley Wills
Recommended by Health Direct
0412 445 770
support@birthtrauma.org.au
The information on this website is not meant to replace advice provided by a health professional.
Copyright © 2020. All Rights Reserved.
