#BirthTrauma | Dr Sally Pezaro

#ThinkTraumaNow

It really is so important that we recognise the trauma birth workers can experience as a result of their work. Many midwifery and obstetric staff are affected by vicarious trauma because of the events they have seen, the conditions they are working in and a lack of emotional support. This is significant because as well as birth workers being entitled to a psychologically safe professional journey, such psychological distress can also result in poorer maternity care.

As a result of this report, the following calls to action have been made:

1. Address trauma prevention for maternity staff and parents.

2. Think long-term about trauma treatment for maternity staff and parents in the future.

3. Act on the requests from Birthrights and The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) for maternity services to be ringfenced and for all women to be offered a safe and positive childbirth experience and ensure that new NHS England clinical guidance is followed

Recently, I was asked by Dr. Gloria Esegbona from the @art_of_birth to share some of my thoughts on birth trauma at the latest #artofbirth16 summit at Kings College London. My first thought, as always was…. do you mean physical? or psychological?… I was assured that her latest event would be addressing both. Time to learn & grow 💚💜❤

art-of-birth-event-with-sally-pezaro-2016

And so how can we as midwives prevent physical birth trauma?

“we can reduce ventouse #birthtrauma to #pelvicfloor and #perineum with left lateral & slow head delivery #artofbirth16”

“Preventable physical #birthtrauma to #pelvicfloor & #perineum caused by poor positions and outdated pushing practices #artofbirth16”

Quiz – Which methods of pushing during vaginal delivery and pelvic floor relate to which perineal outcomes?

(No peeking at the link to get the answers first!)

#Discuss #GetYourGeekOn

Methods:
-open-glottis technique?
-Valsalva pushing?
———————-
Outcomes:
-incidence of instrumental and cesarean delivery?
-incidence of postpartum hemorrhage?
-urinary incontinence
-Episiotomy rates?
-maternal satisfaction?
-fetal heart rate (FHR) abnormalities?
-Apgar score?

No peeking at the answers link before you comment/answer below!

(We are still awaiting more evidence in any case)!

The Art of Birth is promoting art in the science of #physiological #birthexperience to prevent #birthtrauma #maternity #matexp #artofbirth16

And so what about the psychological trauma and the 2nd victim…the midwife?

Can we begin to understand women’s experiences in relation to psychological birth trauma? How do we revisit the language we use during birth? Can we all be more compassionate in our practice?

I was quoted on this day when talking about “superhero midwives” – healthy, well-supported #midwives lead to healthy, well-supported mums. #artofbirth16…It is true…so many people wanting to do good….some burning out. Some traumatised.

I thank you all for hearing about my work on the wellbeing of midwives in the workplace.

I had some really great panel questions too…What I loved most about this conference was that I managed to receive lots of #Oxyhugs and create #myomos with so many inspiring midwives, doulas, students and others wanting to support each other, share and learn 💚💜❤.. I can’t wait to see some of you in the near future and learn more about how you have turned these lessons into practice. 💚💜❤