Midwives’ insights into birth trauma and awareness of compassionate listening services after birth

Background/Aims

Birth trauma can have long-lasting effects on women's quality of life, influencing emotional wellbeing, intimate and family relationships and, in some cases, adverse cognitive outcomes for children. This study's aim was to explore community midwives’ awareness of birth trauma, wider support and barriers to supporting those in need.

Methods

A purposive sample of 17 community midwives were interviewed about their knowledge of signs and symptoms of birth trauma, including experiences and barriers to identifying and support. Data were analysed thematically within the COM-B framework to explore participants’ capability, opportunity and motivation in caring for women with birth trauma.

Results

Participants’ knowledge of the signs and symptoms of birth trauma and identifying and supporting individuals with birth trauma was broadly good. However, some limitations in information and resources were identified.

Conclusions

The participants were strongly motivated to support those with birth trauma. Nevertheless, they experienced barriers including time constraints and reduced continuity of care affecting the midwife–mother relationship. Cultural, social and language barriers further limited the participants’ ability to identify and support individuals with birth trauma or enable some women to disclose.

Implications for practice

Birth trauma training, resources and support for midwives are required, considering cultural sensitivities and working patterns. Changes to maximise continuity may enable community midwives to effectively support those with birth trauma.