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Making birth a better experience for all

How can I support my team?

Working to prevent the impact of trauma.

 
 

Maternity care is under pressure 24/7 and it’s taking its toll on staff. At the moment we’re looking at a third of midwives experiencing symptoms of PTSD. And, unsurprisingly, up to two-thirds wanting to leave the profession.

Research also shows that there is a gap in maternity service to support the wider team. Accompanied by various challenges.

At Make Birth Better, we believe a lot of trauma is preventable. Based on research, we have created a model which describes the impact trauma has on every part of the maternity system. Our belief is that birth trauma and vicarious trauma cannot be prevented without addressing each different layer. We are convinced that small changes at  any layer can make a huge difference. Watch this video to learn how.

We also have a free 30 minute training session Trauma in professionals: the cost of caring with Dr Jan Smith which you can find here.

Please share this with your team or anyone you feel may benefit from this.

 

What else can I do for service development?

Examples of good practice.

 
 

To narrow the gap in maternity services here are examples of good practice that can support staff caring for the wider team after a traumatic experience in perinatal care. 

Leadership and Management

  • The embedded organisational culture of caring for one another

  • Speaking openly to learn from mistakes

  • No blame/no bullying management

Personalised Policies and Procedures

  • Recognition of the emotional and physical impact of healthcare work

  • Recognition of non-work personal context

  • Work-life balance is respected

  • Respecting the right to breaks

  • Being treated well when unwell

Activities and Actions

  • Small gestures of kindness

  • Provision of emotional support

Last, but by no means least, we recommend setting up reflective practice groups. You can read more about it here.

“Emotions are high but everyone is making a conscious effort to care for one another. There is uncertainty but there is also resilience, support and team work.”
— Midwife during 2020 Covid-19 lockdown
 
 

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Do you want to get a good understanding of what you can do to support your staff appropriately? And what helps prevent birth trauma and vicarious trauma in your practice or work setting? Please go to our training page here. 

 
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Are you interested in further reading? Have a look at our free downloads on supporting staff and preventing trauma.

 
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