Support for a traumatic birth around the UK is patchy - with some places offering talking therapy, others Birth Reflections services, others peer support groups, others only secondary mental health services. What we do know is that there is no 'one fits all' approach to birth trauma and what you might find helpful is not always what someone else would need.
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As a starting point, take a look at the 'Healing' page. Below you will find a crowd-sourced map of practitioners (in the NHS and privately) working with women and their partners after a difficult birth. Do take a look and see if there is someone near you. It is worth noting that this is not a complete map at all, and you should always speak to your GP or another health professional to see if there are other services available. It's also worth knowing that there are many different options available - and not all of them have been backed up by research. Do you research, phone around and see what you feel might suit you. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
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UK wide helplines/support groups:
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AIMS helpline +44 (0) 300 365 0663 or email helpline@aims.org.uk
PANDAS helpline 0843 28 98 401 or email info@pandasfoundation.org.uk​
Birth Trauma Association Facebook group
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Assist Trauma Care have therapists around England and Wales (private)
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Many independent services also offer Skype consultations, such as:
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Parenthood in Mind (specialist psychological services)
Unfold your Wings (peer supported birth reflections sessions)
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How to Use the Map - The easiest way to use the map is on a computer (not phone) open it in a separate page (click the 'enlarge' button on the top right of the map). This will open it in Google Maps, and you can then search using your postcode (look at the top left of the screen, there is a search option by the title 'Birth Trauma Services'). Many services may also offer Skype consultations outside of your local area, so do feel free also to browse all the national services here.
If you are having problems or would like to feedback on how the map is working for you, let me know.
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If you work for a service, or know of a service which is not listed on here, please let me know here. The map will be updated once a month.
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If you notice that something on the map is inaccurate please contact me
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Please note these services have not been verified, they are third party services. They are not given as medical advice, and do not come with a personal recommendation.
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It is crucial that you check that the person treating you has the appropriate qualifications to treat symptoms of trauma. Do check your therapist is accredited with an appropriate body. You can read about the NICE guidance on treatment for trauma here . Currently, only Trauma Focused CBT and EMDR are NICE recommended.
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Don't forget it's also ok to contact a few services and see who you feel suits you best.
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You are able to contact many of these services yourself, or you can speak to your GP, midwife or another health professional about making a referral. Sometimes people need to speak to more than one healthcare professional before an appropriate referral is made, so don't give up hope! Read up on the services which should be available to you by checking the NICE guidance here
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It can feel hard to navigate services when you are not familiar with them. Feel free to contact us if you need some support, or speak to a healthcare professional (or even a friend or family member who might be able to guide you). Many practitioners are also very happy for you to contact them for an informal chat to see whether they can help you.
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