For many women, a traumatic birth doesn't end in the birth suite. It can shape their subsequent pregnancy and birth experiences.
New research from Deborah Pidd, graduate researcher in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, is exploring how maternity care can better support women who have experienced a distressing or traumatic birth.
"Understandably, many women who have had a traumatic birth experience enter their next pregnancy looking for a different and more positive experience,” she says.
One approach that is linked to more positive maternity experience is continuity of care, where a pregnant woman has the same midwife or clinician throughout her pregnancy and birth.
"We found that acknowledgment of their experience is often all that women are seeking. Importantly, the provision of continuity of care in pregnancy following that acknowledgment provides appreciation and relief from having to repeat their story to different clinicians."
Deborah says the research aims to help clinicians meet women's values and preferences.
"Continuity of care enhances woman-centred approaches, and it should be prioritised for women who have experienced a negative birth experience and have a current fear of birth."
