Understanding Birth Trauma: Free Resources & Support in Scotland & the UK
What is Birth Trauma?
Birth trauma is a deeply personal experience that can result from a physically or emotionally distressing birth, medical interventions, lack of support, or feeling unheard during labour and childbirth. It can affect birthing parents, partners, and even birth workers, leading to anxiety, PTSD, depression, and difficulties bonding with a baby. Recent studies indicate that approximately one in three women perceive their childbirth experience as traumatic, with about one in 25 developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result. This trauma not only affects the individual but can also have lasting impacts on the child and wider family. City, University of London
In the UK, a parliamentary inquiry into birth trauma revealed that many women endure harrowing experiences during childbirth, often feeling neglected or dismissed by healthcare providers. The inquiry highlighted systemic issues within maternity care and emphasised the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure respectful and supportive birthing environments. BBC
If you or someone you know has experienced birth trauma, you are not alone. There are organisations and resources across Scotland and the UK that can provide emotional support, advocacy, and practical guidance.
Free & Low-Cost Support Services in Scotland & the UK
1. Birth Trauma Support & Helplines
The Birth Trauma Association (UK-wide) – Offers peer support, information, and advocacy for those who have experienced traumatic birth.
Website: www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk
Email: support@birthtraumaassociation.org.uk
The MASIC Foundation (UK-wide)
Provides support for people who have suffered severe injuries during childbirth, known as Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASI).
Website: www.masic.org.uk
Make Birth Better (UK-wide) – A network of birth professionals raising awareness of birth trauma and providing free resources.
Website: www.makebirthbetter.org
Maternal Mental Health Scotland – Provides support, guidance, and links to perinatal mental health services.
Website: www.maternalmentalhealthscotland.org.uk
Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) (UK-wide) – A national charity supporting those affected by postpartum psychosis.
Website: www.app-network.org
Positive Birth Scotland
Offers solution-focused perinatal trauma therapy to help individuals recover from birth-related trauma.
Website: positivebirthscotland.com
2. Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Support
PANDAS Foundation UK – Free helpline and online support groups for parents struggling with perinatal mental health issues.
Helpline: 0808 1961 776 (Open 11am-10pm, daily)
Website: www.pandasfoundation.org.uk
Scottish Perinatal Mental Health Services – NHS-funded support for parents experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties.
Contact your GP or health visitor to be referred.
Tommy’s Pregnancy & Baby Loss Support – Free midwife-led helpline supporting those who have experienced baby loss or trauma.
Helpline: 0800 0147 800
Website: www.tommys.org
NHS Grampian Parent and Infant Mental Health Services
Provides resources and support for parents experiencing mental health challenges related to birth and parenting.
Website: www.nhsgrampian.org
Inspiring Scotland's Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Directory
A comprehensive directory listing organisations across Scotland offering perinatal and infant mental health support.
Website: inspiringscotland.org.uk
AIMS (Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services)
Offers information and support for those affected by birth trauma, including a helpline.
Helpline: 0300 365 0663
Website: www.aims.org.uk
3. Peer Support & Community Groups
Mumsnet Birth Trauma Forum – A safe space for parents to share experiences and seek peer support.
Website: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/childbirth
Birthrights (UK-wide) – A human rights charity offering legal advice and advocacy for those who have experienced mistreatment during birth.
Website: www.birthrights.org.uk
Scottish Doula Network – Connecting new parents with trauma-informed doulas who offer emotional and practical postpartum support.
Website: www.scottishdoulas.org
4. Trauma-Informed Therapy & Recovery Programs
Birth Trauma Resolution Therapy (UK-wide) – Specialised therapy for parents experiencing birth trauma and PTSD.
Find a certified therapist: www.birthtraumaresolution.com
NHS Psychological Therapies (Scotland) – Free mental health support for those struggling after a traumatic birth.
Speak to your GP or visit: www.nhsinform.scot
The Compassionate Friends (UK-wide) – Support for parents who have experienced the loss of a baby or child.
Website: www.tcf.org.uk
Self-Help & Healing Resources
✔ Guided Birth Trauma Meditation – Available on YouTube or Insight Timer
✔ Recommended Books on Birth Trauma & Recovery:
'How to Heal a Bad Birth' – Melissa Bruijn & Debby Gould
'Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage' – Dr. Rachel Reed
'When Survivors Give Birth' – Penny Simkin
You Are Not Alone
If you have experienced birth trauma, know that your feelings are valid and you deserve support. Whether through professional therapy, peer groups, or self-help tools, there are many paths to healing. Reach out, seek support, and take your time to process your experience in a way that feels right for you.
📩 Need more guidance? Contact me for additional support and resources.
