Birth trauma awareness week 2026
July 13-19
THEME: The cost of birth trauma
The arrival of a baby is a positive event for many parents. But for some, it can be a mixed experience or even traumatic.
Birth-related trauma can be physical or psychological, or a combination of both.
Birth-related injuries and ongoing conditions are a substantial but under-recognised public health and economic issue in Australia.
The impacts are large, long-lasting and widely felt.
They affect not only the Women+ living with these injuries and conditions, but also their families,
workplaces, communities and the broader economy.
This Birth Trauma Awareness Week, we’re counting the cost.
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At least 18% of Women+ in Australia who have given birth are living with the impacts of physical birth trauma,
approximately 1.1 million Women+ in FY2324.
This estimate is likely conservative, as many injuries are not detected at birth or in the postnatal period,
conditions may emerge or worsen months, years or decades later, and symptoms are frequently normalised by clinicians.
The consequences extend far beyond physical health.
Birth-related injuries affect mental wellbeing, relationships, parenting, social participation and confidence.
Many Women+ reduce their workforce participation, change careers or leave paid work altogether.
Others incur substantial out‑of‑pocket costs for private treatment and ongoing care.
These impacts can persist for years after birth and can, in some cases, be lifelong.
Importantly, these harms do not affect Women+ alone.
The impacts ripple outward to partners, children, families and communities, shaping caregiving arrangements,
household finances and long‑term economic security.
HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN BIRTH TRAUMA AWARENESS WEEK
What did your birth cost you?
This Birth Trauma Awareness Week, we’re counting the cost.
Download the MY BIRTH COST ME pack and share the ways that birth-related trauma has impacted your physical and mental health, your family, your career, your life and beyond.
DONATE
BTA is a charity that relies on the generosity of the community and our wonderful supporters. Your donation will help us reach more Women+ when they need us most.
DONATE NOW
FIND SUPPORT
If you or someone you love is impacted by birth-related trauma, this is a great place to start finding the right support. You are not alone, we are here for you.
Become an Advocate
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Are you a health professional caring for those impacted by birth-related trauma? Find patient resources, research, education, and training.
CONTACT us
Educate
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.
Advocate
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.
Show support on social media
Spread the word on social media by sharing these images.
Don’t forget to tag @birthtrauma.org.au/birthtrauma/ and use #BTAW2023 in your social posts.
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