'I thought this was just something I had to live with': Slater and Gordon highlight the impact of birth trauma
With one in three Australian births reported as traumatic, thousands of women live with the physical and psychological impacts of birth trauma, often believing ongoing pain and trauma are part of becoming a mother.
Slater and Gordon Lawyers Head of Medical Law in Victoria, Naty Guerrero-Diaz, said birth trauma was far more common than many people realised, yet women often felt embarrassed, dismissed, or alone in the years following childbirth.
"Too often, women are told their injuries were simply the price of becoming a mother," Ms Guerrero-Diaz said.
"Many have spent years living with pain or psychological trauma as a result of birth-related injuries to themselves or their child. And the impacts of birth trauma ripple out to partners, children, families and communities.
"This is an important week, because it says to women: your pain is real, your story matters and you don't have to suffer in silence.
"There is legal, medical and psychological support available, and you are entitled to it," added Ms Guerrero-Diaz.
For Melbourne mother Elena, the birth of her daughter in 2017 should have been one of the happiest days of her life. Instead, it marked the beginning of years of physical pain and emotional trauma.
Following a prolonged labour, Elena sustained a fourth-degree tear during an assisted forceps delivery and required surgery shortly after giving birth.
Nearly a decade later, she still lives with chronic pain and the psychological impacts of her traumatic birth.
"When I first saw my baby, she was covered in blood and it looked nothing like the birth video we had been shown.
"I had gone into labour thinking I was prepared, but I came out with a severe tear, huge blood loss, and trauma that I still live with today," Elena said.
"There were times when I was exhausted, terrified, and asking for help, and I felt like my pain and fear were brushed aside.
"For a long time, I thought I just had to get on with life, even though I was still living with the consequences of what happened to me," she said.
"If sharing my story helps other women feel less alone or ask more questions about their care, then it's worth it," Elena added.
Ms Guerrero-Diaz said experiences like Elena's were all too common and reflected broader concerns raised by Birth Trauma Australia and other support organisations.
"Too many women believe they must get on with life while living with chronic pain or trauma,
"Birth Trauma Awareness Week is about challenging that idea. Women deserve safe, respectful maternity care and clear information when injuries occur.
"We encourage women who have questions about their care to seek medical, psychological and, where appropriate, legal advice so they can understand their options," said Ms Guerrero-Diaz.
To learn more about Australian Birth Trauma Awareness Week, visit: Birth Trauma Australia
