Our analysis so far…

Better Births Illawarra were the first to gain access to the historic Birth Trauma Report alongside Bashi Hazard and Hazel Keedle, researcher, when we were invited to NSW Parliament House for the tabling of this historic report o Wednesday 29th of May..

1 in 3 women experience birth trauma. The Report was keenly anticipated by mothers and advocates to address this pervasive and entrenched issue.

We made an immediate analysis and what was clear that women and birthing parents had been listened to throughout the Inquiry by the Select Commitee members and the Chair of the Inquiry, Hon Emma Hurst MLC. and agree with the majority of the Recommendations. We applaud the work of the Committee members, the Report is a powerful document.

Was there anything missing? Yes. Prioritising the strongest solution to eliminate preventable birth trauma was missing. Investing in Midwifery Group Practice was watered down. We will not stop to fight for a stronger investment in this area from the NSW Government. Chair of the Inquiry Emma Hurst details how Recommendation 9 and 10 fall short of what has the best chance of addressing birth trauma.

Please see below, a snapshot of our analysis. We will investigate the report at a more detailed level and share our insights on Tuesday 4th of June.

Key Findings

The following are the five key fidings from the Report. They formed the basis of the 43 Recommendations in the Report.

Finding 1 There are a number of individuals who have suffered preventable birth trauma in New South Wales and the experiences of the people who gave evidence to this inquiry are distressing and unacceptable.

Finding 2 That urgent efforts must be made to address avoidable and preventable factors that contribute to birth trauma.

Finding 3 That in some cases of birth trauma, women have recounted that they experienced this as a form of violence.

Finding 4 That prospective parents need to be provided with clear and comprehensive education about all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth so that consent given to any obstetric intervention is fully informed.

Finding 5 That a 'one size fits all' approach is inadequate for the New South Wales maternity care system and that tailoring care to meet the needs of individuals is essential for improving outcomes.

Our work is conducted on what always was and always will be Aboriginal land — the Countries of the Wodi Wodi, Wandi Wandandian, Dharawal, Yuin of the Yuin Nation. Our work is committed to justice for all people including the sovereignty of First Nations people, knowledge systems and practices. In our work, we commit to reverence, healing, respect, responsibility and reciprocity with all beings, the land, sky, seas and waterways and pay our deepest respect to Elders past, present and emerging.