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.

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.

Breaking the Taboo, Theo Clarke’s new podcast on birth trauma, launched in January. In the first episode she discusses what birth trauma is and the effect it has with the BTA’s Kim Thomas and campaigning mum Gill Castle. Listen on Apple or Spotify.

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.

Find support now

Influence POLICY and contribute to RESEARCH to improve UK maternity care.

Our research

CAMPAIGN to raise awareness and improve maternal safety.

Our impact

“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

Get involved

Donate monthly

Fundraise for us

Volunteer with us

Awareness Week

News & Campaigns

 

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.