The launch of this country’s first ever birth trauma inquiry is a further step in raising awareness and collecting the evidence we need to make the case for better support and care for mums who suffer harrowing experiences when giving birth.
We have received unstinting support from Mumsnet for our campaign including a survey it hosted last year. For the first time, that survey allowed mums and their partners to talk of their experiences and the life-changing injuries - both mental and physical - that came from birth trauma. Sadly, on too many occasions, what these mums experienced was made much worse because of a lack of care, the right support and, at times, compassion.
These important stories have helped us move to the point where the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Birth Trauma we co-chair as MPs is able to hold this inquiry in Parliament and we need women to come forward again to tell their stories - this time in a more formal way.
This is why we have joined together with Mumsnet to issue a Call for Evidence for women and their partners to submit their experiences ahead of the start of the inquiry.
Doing so will help us enormously. What we hear from you will be combined with what experts and medical professionals say to make a compelling case for fundamental change in how this country cares and supports women who have suffered birth trauma.
The APPG has booked a series of weekly evidence sessions in Parliament starting on 5th February until 18th March and many of them will be mum-led.
The inquiry will give women the opportunity to talk about their experiences and give their thoughts on what should happen in the future. It will allow them to have a voice on an issue that we feel has been swept under the carpet for far too long.
Along with the support of the Birth Trauma Association (BTA) and many others, we have now made this vital issue for women's health part of the mainstream.
There has been a parliamentary debate on it as well as articles in newspapers and magazines. This inquiry will keep it in the public eye as we work for the fundamental change we need.
Following the sessions, the inquiry will collate the evidence and give the Government practical and achievable recommendations aimed at improving care and support for new mothers and their partners.
Another ambition is for birth trauma to be part of the upcoming Women’s Health Strategy.
The Government has already committed to a new national service backed by £11 million of extra funding.
It will offer more support and guidance across every NHS trust in the country for problems such as pelvic organ prolapse, perineal tears, pelvic pain and incontinence due to childbirth.
This is a start, but more is needed as we both know. We have direct personal experience of some of the issues raised with us by women and groups like the BTA. Our personal experiences have led us to this campaign and we are proud to lead it.
We hope that mums across the country will join us as we look to improve care for new mums and put an end to some of the harrowing experiences women have endured.
You can contribute to the Call for Evidence here.
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