Birth Trauma Awareness Week (14–20 July 2025): Let’s Talk About It
— Raising Awareness of Physical and Emotional Birth Trauma —
As pelvic health physiotherapists, we see first hand the lasting impact that birth trauma can have — and we’re here to say: You are not alone. Your experience matters. And recovery is possible.
What Is Birth Trauma?
This refers to both physical injuries and psychological distress resulting from childbirth. It may stem from:
- Emergency interventions (like emergency C-sections or forceps delivery)
- Long or highly medicalised labours
- Perineal tears or episiotomies
- Pelvic floor injuries
- Feelings of being unheard or unsupported during labour
- NICU admissions or unexpected birth outcomes
Trauma isn’t always about what happened — it’s also about how it made you feel. If you felt scared, powerless, dismissed, or in danger, your experience is valid and deserves recognition.
The Hidden Side of Birth Trauma
Distress around childbirth often ends up not being discussed. The focus quickly shifts to the baby — and many parents are left quietly navigating pain, incontinence, prolapse, intimacy issues, or emotional distress on their own.
But these issues are common — and treatable.
How Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Can Help with Birth Trauma
At our clinic, we work with people recovering from a wide range of birth-related injuries and challenges. Here’s how we support healing:
- Individualised pelvic floor assessments
- Treatment for pain, prolapse, incontinence, or tearing
- Support with return to exercise or intimacy
- Education and empowerment — understanding what happened and how your body is healing
- Collaboration with other healthcare providers, including mental health professionals, GPs, and obstetricians
Our goal is not just recovery — but to help you reclaim confidence, function, and wellbeing.
You Deserve Support — No Matter How Long It’s Been
Whether you gave birth six weeks ago or six years ago, it’s never too late to seek help. A distressing birth can leave a mark, but with the right support, you can heal — physically, emotionally, and holistically.
Let’s Break the Silence
Birth Trauma Awareness Week is about more than stories of struggle — it’s about connection, compassion, and hope. If you or someone you love is living with birth trauma, this week is a powerful reminder: you are seen, you are believed, and you deserve care.
Need Support?
If you’re ready to start your healing journey or simply want to talk, we’re here. Contact our team to book a confidential pelvic health assessment or learn more about how we can support you after birth.
If you sustained an injury during your birth, you may qualify for ACC funding – click here for more information.
Let’s talk about birth trauma — and let’s heal, together.