In this blog, women and their families share their experience of birth trauma. These stories are shared in their own voice and may be distressing to some readers.
Please take care to ensure you are ready to read these stories today and engage in the self-care and support you need to process what these stories bring up for you.
We tell these stories because many people find them helpful and it informs us all of the wide range of birth experiences families undergo.
“When there is one way, one story, learning is stunted. When we have more stories, we have more from which to learn. We see over and over again how choices, options, more stories, help us all.”
You can submit your story by emailing ABTA.
As a first-time mum Erin experienced a 4th degree tear, something that hadn’t been spoken about in her ante-natal support classed. Here she recounts her journey to healing and her decision to have a second birth where she could feel in control.
As an endurance athlete and adventure junkie, Ruby’s* prolapse diagnosis following a traumatic forceps birth turned her world upside down. Here she recounts her long, difficult journey to acceptance and recovery.
Jess shares the story of the day she gave birth to her baby girl. She describes it as the “best and worst day of my life”, something that many who have experienced birth trauma will relate to.
Tilly shares her story of being diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and requiring an emergency caesarean under general anaesthetic which resulted in complications.
My name is Kylie and I am a wife and mother to three beautiful young children. My obstetric history is quite extensive and even my Obstetrician joked that I’ve experienced every chapter of the text book.
Debbie shares her story of having a Caesarean and then going on to have a VBAC. Debbie is now one of ABTA’s Peer2Peer mentors helping women just like her.
Here is my story about Cerebral Palsy.. My hard won pregnancy with Oscar was perfectly normal, until it wasn’t. I was 25 weeks pregnant and
Brodie shares her brave story of her experience with HELLP Syndrome, her emergency caesarean and her long journey in NICU with her premature baby.
My trauma story related to NICU – what I wished I knew and what I may have done differently
Shiralee shares her story of her covid birth with a forceps delivery that resulted in PND, PNA and PTSD and her fight for her mental health.
Alison shares her story of a failed vacuum delivery resulting in a third-degree tear, prolapse and facial injuries to her baby. Warning: Distressing images
Tamara shares her story of a forceps birth and postpartum haemorrhage following a pregnancy complicated by placenta previa.
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.
