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BIRTH-RELATED TRAUMA

HEALTH professional RESOURCE hub

As part of our commitment to support health professionals, we welcome you to the Australasian Birth Trauma Association’s Health Professional resource hub. From patient and consumer resources and services to research, education, and training, our health professional hub supports you in giving the best care to you, your patients, and their families. We greatly value your feedback, please reach out to us to improved the quality and breadth of support and information available.

Our philosophy is to encourage a collaborative, multi-disciplinary and individualised approach to pregnancy, birth and postpartum care that recognises each person’s life experiences, values, wants, needs and physical health requirements and we encourage our health professionals to do the same.

ThinkNatal - Accredited Education and Training Now Available

The ABTA provides various training options to support the health and community sectors. ThinkNatal Training and Education Hub offers support services to women, birthing people, partners, and non-birthing parents who have experienced birth-related trauma and address the unmet needs of birthing families throughout Australia.

Our certified, comprehensive birth-related trauma training is designed to equip Healthcare Professionals with the skills necessary to prevent, diagnose, and treat birth-related trauma. Backed by research and personal stories, we offer a range of educational resources and training modules to enhance your professional development and improve care outcomes.

Birth-related trauma is a significant and ongoing issue globally, including in Australia. Often overlooked and misunderstood, it highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and support. While some trauma is unavoidable, much of it is preventable. Through our research and Peer2Peer support programs, we’ve gained valuable insights into the causes and impacts of birth-related trauma. These insights inform our training, which addresses the critical need to up-skill professionals in this important area.

thinknatal education and training brochure ABTA

IS YOUR HOSPITAL, PRACTICE or workplace seeking specialised training in birth trauma education, either online or in-person?

We specialise in creating tailored experiences to meet your specific needs. Our flexible approach allows us to adjust both the format and content based on your schedule and the topics that matter most to you.

Supporting you to support your patients

The ABTA creates a safe space for your patients and their families to seek support with a community of people Our Peer2Peer programs are available across Australia, offering different ways to connect, at the right time, space, place and pace. They can explore their own experiences, seek guidance on care pathways while building connections and reducing stigma.

Patient Resources

ABTA has created a variety of resources that assist health professionals in supporting your patients and their families.

Order Printed Resources

We have a printed resources available for order. Please note due to funding restrictions, availability may fluctuate.

ThinkNatal Education and Training

Download our ThinkNatal Education and Training brochure, including course outlines.

Psychological Birth-Related Trauma Brochure

Inform your patients and educate colleagues: Distribute our Psychological Birth-Related Trauma Brochure for comprehensive understanding.

Our support services

The Australasian Birth Trauma Association creates a safe space for your patients and their families to seek support with a community of people that 'get it'. Our Peer2Peer programs are available across Australia, offering different ways to connect, at the right time, space, place and pace. They can explore their own experiences, seek guidance on care pathways while building connections and reducing stigma.

Peer2Peer Meets

Our six-week, in person support group, packed with content that will guide women to care pathways.

Peer2Peer Social

Our private Facebook group is a peer-moderated community where women connect, learn and get supported by others who have experienced birth-related trauma. 

Partner Support

We hope this information encourages you to speak to fathers and partners about their experiences with birth. 

Introducing ThinkNatalTM Education for families

Our philosophy is to encourage a collaborative, multi-disciplinary and individualised approach to pregnancy, birth and postpartum care that recognises each person’s life experiences, values, wants, needs and physical health requirements and we encourage our health professionals to do the same.​

Recovery after Vaginal Birth

Recovery after c-section

Identifying different forms of trauma

For many women who have suffered from physical and/or psychological trauma as a result of childbirth, and who are struggling to cope, it vital that healthcare providers acknowledge the level of distress that these women are experiencing. We have identified critical education and knowledge relating to these two areas and discuss the intersectionaliaty that exists.

Physical Trauma

his section will deal with the practicalities of identifying those cases where there has been permanent damage to the pelvic floor structures.

Psychological Trauma

PTSD is one of a group of ailments referred to as Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders (DSM-5). It is often considered to be something that only war veterans, police officers, paramedics, and similar groups experience, but trauma-related disorders and difficulties are widespread in the community and are more common in women than men.

Vicarious trauma

Vicarious trauma is a process of adverse change that occurs over time to people through repeated exposure (witnessing or hearing about) to other people’s suffering and needs. It occurs over time and is the cumulative effect of contact with people who are survivors of traumatic events and being compelled to help them.

Support in the Postnatal Period

The early postnatal period is a time of emotional change for most women. Some women may experience distress or symptoms of depression at this time if they feel overwhelmed and unable to manage.

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