Industry & Reform
Industry & Reform
‘ Particularly challenging ’
When midwives face their own birth trauma : study
By Elise Hartevelt
A groundbreaking study is investigating the ‘ overlooked issue ’ of midwives coping with their own birthing trauma and its impact on their professional lives .
It ’ s estimated that one in three women who deliver a baby experience some level of trauma .
According to PhD candidate at Southern Cross University , and registered midwife Lisa Charmer , there ’ s a significant gap in research on how this impacts a midwife returning to the workforce .
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“ Many midwives may not realise they ’ ve been affected until they re-enter the workplace and are confronted by their experiences ,” Ms Charmer said .
“ They may find it emotionally challenging , leading them to eventually leave or decide not to return to the workforce at all .”
The study is interviewing practising midwives to better understand their experience of a personal birth trauma , also called primary trauma , and how it affects them returning to the maternity workplace .
Ms Charmer said that while childbirth is typically seen as a positive experience , complications and adverse events can increase the risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms ( PTSD ).
“ When her own baby ’ s birth is traumatic , very little is known about the impact on midwives ’ general health and mental wellbeing .
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event .
While the event has passed , people are left with intense feelings and disturbing thoughts that can lead to heightened anxiety and fear , depression and a feeling of detachment .