SUPPORTING PARENTS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED BIRTH TRAUMA
Working towards a world where fewer parents are traumatised by the experience of birth
WHO WE ARE
Founded and run by women who have experienced birth trauma, we are the only charity in the UK solely dedicated to supporting women and families who have experienced traumatic birth.
Part mental health charity, part campaigning charity, we work to support parents and families, and improve parents’ experience of birth - engaging and educating health professionals, and taking part in research to identify failings in maternal care. We believe we were the first charity in the world to support those with birth trauma, and 2024 saw us celebrate our 20th birthday.
We were honoured to be chosen as the lead organisation advising on the 2024 parliamentary inquiry into birth trauma, initiated by Theo Clarke MP and Rosie Duffield MP. You can read the final inquiry report here.
We also work with trusted legal partners to offer legal advice for parents who need it. Our next legal clinic is with Claudia Hillemand of Bolt Burdon Kemp on 20 May. To book your free 30 minutes slot or to arrange an alternative time to speak with Claudia, please contact her directly on 07881 312496 or [email protected].
New WhatsApp support
Join our WhatsApp support session; hosted by the BTA's trained peer supporters on Friday 9th May at 1.30pm. To sign up please use this form: https://p25yjjmtqao.typeform.com/to/KeKFu3xx.
You can remain anonymous; your number won't be displayed, and you can pick your own user name so it's a totally confidential and safe space where you can speak freely.
The groups are kept small; there are just six spaces are available, but don’t worry if you don't get into this session – we'll add you to a waiting list and let you know as soon as there’s a spot free.
One previous attendee said: ‘This was really helpful and useful one of the best forms of support l've had. It was great to share my story with people that understand and can validate my feelings.’
We’re partnering with Mendara to provide these sessions.
Join us and let us support you on your path to healing.
Awareness Week
Every year we run Birth Trauma Awareness Week, which is always on a specific theme and includes a mix of social media activities, including blogposts, Q&As and video interviews. In 2025, the week will run from 14 July to 20 July. We will announce theme nearer the time.
In 2024, Awareness Week was on the theme of informed consent. We published a report, ‘It’s easier to catch them unawares’: informed consent in labour and birth, outlining the results of a survey we carried out.
4-5%
of women who give birth develop PTSD – approximately 30,000 a year.
Many parents who come to us for help need legal advice. It’s not always easy to know where to turn, so we have set up a panel of legal partners who we trust to offer a compassionate, high-quality service.
BIRTH TRAUMA AWARENESS WEEK
14-20 July 2025
What we do
SUPPORT for parents who have been psychologically distressed by traumatic birth.
Influence POLICY and contribute to RESEARCH to improve UK maternity care.
CAMPAIGN to raise awareness and improve maternal safety.
“I was broken after the birth of my son. My journey to healing started after finding the BTA. It was the first time I felt hope that I would get better, and that I wasn't alone.”
— BTA Facebook group member, 2023
Training videos for health professionals
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Donate monthly
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Awareness Week
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I’m a health professional
Visit our information hub for resources to help you support families who have suffered birth trauma. From understanding birth trauma, to diagnosis, treatment and prevention, our resources will help you to provide the best care for your patients.
Make a donation
With your support we can be there for parents who are suffering from birth trauma, and keep campaigning to improve maternity care.