2023: the Make Birth Better team looks back
With 2023 drawing to a close the Make Birth Better team look back on the past year by sharing the achievements they’re most proud of, their biggest insights and what they are excited about for the new year ahead. Lots of great stuff in the pipeline so watch this space. For now, we want to thank all of you who have worked with us, supported us and shared their voices. Bring on a new year, we’re ready!
Lauren (Supporter Services Lead)
Most proud of…
… our free/discounted offerings this year: from our free training series, and offering free and heavily discounted spots on the Birth Trauma Training Programme, to our much needed Collective Care Week.
My biggest insight
We are so much stronger together. Both in our MBB team and as part of the wider collective of birth organisations working together.
For 2024 I am excited about:
I feel like we have grown so much this year and I'm excited to see where this growth takes us.
Nikki (CEO)
Most proud of…
I'm so, so, so, proud of MBB and everyone involved. Our 2023 Summit really stands out for me this year. We showed up in a way we had always wanted to show up - with confidence, creativity and an ability to hold space for courageous conversations.
My biggest insight
This quote sums it up: “Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be just another human soul” - Carl Jung. I never grow tired of meeting people who are humanising healthcare.
For 2024 I am excited about:
I'm so excited for the new changemaker conference we want to activate in 2024. A space for activism, campaigning and community to come together to make a difference in the moment. Watch this space!
Becca (Co-founder & Perinatal Consultant Psychiatrist)
Most proud of…
That we kept thinking, listening and learning. I am proud of the free resources we delivered and would like to offer more free webinars in 2024.
My biggest insight
The world events at the end of this year have affected me, and I am sure most people, so deeply. I think this is a time where we need to hold onto humanity and kindness more than ever but also activism – collectively raising our voices and demanding change in so many areas.
For 2024 I am excited about:
There is so much more research going into birth trauma across the world and this gives us the power to be even more nuanced and holistic in our care.
I also feel so lucky to be within MBB and to learn from the team, Champions and colleagues – the older I get into my career the more I want to push for change and challenge the status quo: menopausal rage harnessed for a good cause!
Sakina (Community Lead)
Most proud of…
The work we have done to bring in co-production, lived experience voices to inform our work and campaigns and the political work we are chipping away at to bring meaningful long-term policy change and awareness. We have done it staying true to our values and being willing to keep learning as we go.
My biggest insight
Change takes time and persistence. It also does happen in silo, its community and connection, the passion and vision of the collective that allows the important shifts to happen.
For 2024 I am excited about:
Seeing our birth trauma information posters going out and supporting parents-to-be empowered to understand and seek support for birth trauma!
Trudi (Training Lead)
Most proud of…
Increasing awareness, finding student midwives at the Maternity Festival who already followed us!
My biggest insight
That the voices of women and birthing people are now being listened to, and also the impact on healthcare professionals of women and birthing people not following guidance, and how we navigate this in maternity services to protect everyone.
For 2024 I am excited about:
Our 9th Annual Birth Trauma Summit in May, and hearing more inspiring presentations and conversations.
Evelien (Communications Lead)
Most proud of…
Becoming more and more known as "experts on maternal mental health" - which is reflected in a lot of media attention in 2023 and being part of the first ever APPG.
Biggest insight
Conflict isn't always scary: when you know what you stand for, when you’re authentic about it, you become empowered to stand up for yourself, and for what you believe in.
For 2024 I am excited about:
The next steps of our #ThinkTraumaNow campaign: I’m imagining all the places where our new Birth Trauma poster can have a place on the wall.