The birth trauma association support mothers and their partners who are experiencing distress after a traumatic birth.

This ranges from postnatal PTSD (which affects about 30,000 women a year) or other forms of distress such as depression or anxiety.

Birth trauma can be immensely difficult to live with, and parents often find there is no one they can talk to about the experience. The birth trauma association fills that gap and offers support, advice and a community to those who find themself in this unfortunate situation.

My story:

Since being diagnosed with PTSD following the birth of my son I have received support from BTA through talking therapies, information on accessing a birth debrief and finding a community of people who have had traumatic births.

I feel so fortunate to have support from my family and friends and I have been able to work towards finding peace with my birth, and let go on feelings of shame and failure. I can’t explain how helpful talking therapy has been for me in order to work through the complex range of emotions that birth trauma can bring up.

Running has been a huge part of my recovery. Running has always been therapeutic for me; out of my head and into my body. However post emergency C-section and major haemorrhage I couldn’t see a time where I’d find joy in running again. The first few months were rough, slow, steady, painful, with lots of walking and constantly being reminded of how birth had affected my body. With the help of a coach and a physio I am so grateful to be back in a place where the movement of running feels like pure joy.

Movement is such a privilege so and I’ve decided just after Leo turns 1, I will run the SheUltra marathon. I’m not intending to do it quickly, I just want to finish it and be proud of where I’ve come physically and mentally in 1 year.

Any donations are so so appreciated. I can guarantee they are going to a great cause that will help thousands of families get the support they need after experiencing birth trauma and work towards finding their peace too.