Supporting patients who have experienced had a traumatic experience during birth is the aim of new elearning on Perinatal Mental Health Birth Trauma.

Three new learning modules build on a trauma informed approach to further explore birth trauma specifically and have been added to the Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) programme on the elearning for healthcare (elfh) hub. They are suitable for all professionals involved in perinatal care.

Studies indicate that as many as one in three birthing people found some aspect of the birth of their baby psychologically traumatic. Women with birth trauma often find it hard to bond with their baby and those with PTSD can be extremely anxious and irritable, leading to relationship difficulties. Many women who have had a traumatic birth suffer from painful and distressing physical symptoms, sometimes because of tearing or other physical injury.

The new sessions are:

• Introduction and definition of birth trauma – explores what birth trauma is and identifies some of the risks that can make people more vulnerable to experiencing it.
• Symptoms of birth trauma and postnatal PTSD – identifies birth trauma, in the context of families and relationships, and start to find possible support.
• Different assessment tools available to screen for birth trauma – describes evidence-based tools and scales that screen for trauma and supportive options for psychological interventions.

To find out more and to access the course visit the Perinatal Mental Health programme page