For most women, birth is a positive experience. However, it can also be very confronting or traumatic for mothers and partners. Birth can leave physical or psychological wounds that have a lasting impact on a family’s life and due to stigma, many women suffer for a long time. This can lead to difficulty with breastfeeding, feelings of fear, anger, guilt or detachment from their baby or partner, and anxiety about future pregnancies. I’ve written more about psychological birth trauma here.

Some women who aren’t distressed by their birth may have a birth debrief to learn more about what happened or prepare for next time. Debriefing in the months after your birth with someone who was present at the time is ideal. Often, however, this isn't possible. Conversations about what happened with someone who understands maternity care, who can answer questions about complex obstetric interventions and implications for the future, can help bring closure to a traumatic experience. It also helps you plan for next time, if that’s something important to you.

Access a birth debrief
A birth debrief with Dr Danny Tucker can be accessed via a written referral from your GP: link to detailed instructions here. Two sessions will usually be arranged, and during this time, the following will be covered:

• A review of the documented events of your birth and/or antenatal care

• An explanation of why events might have taken place and an interpretation of the medical record

• A conversation about the medical implications of what happened for your next pregnancy or health in the future

• Referral to appropriate professionals to support your ongoing recovery

• Further follow-up as needed

What if I need more help?
Some women will have already accessed a psychologist and Dr Tucker will provide you with written information to support your understanding and recovery in collaboration with your chosen health professional. If you wish, correspondence can be shared with your psychologist.

Birth trauma or birth-related distress is a complex area, and a combined approach will help you deal with emotions and feelings that may surface, and can promote healthy healing. A birth debrief offers the information to explain what happened, why and what this might mean for future pregnancies, if relevant. The psychologist support offers a space for you to prepare, to manage the feelings which may arise and help to understand and process them.

If you need a psychologist, Danny works with Melissa Freestun from Self Psychology as part of a multidisciplinary support program. You can find more information about the program here.