The Birth Trauma Inquiry Report Is Out
Transforming Maternity Care: The Wise Hippo Birthing Programme's Approach to Combatting Birth Trauma
For many parents, the journey of bringing a new life into the world is one of the most momentous events they will experience. However, when special circumstances arise during pregnancy or birth, the physical and psychological consequences can be profound and often unspoken. Recognising the need for change, recent inquiries have shed light on the significant issues within maternity services and have called for a unified, national improvement strategy.
For over a decade now, The Wise Hippo Birthing Programme and our devoted team of teachers have diligently crafted effective strategies to support parents through this pivotal time in their lives. Our programme emphasises the power of informed decision-making and transparent information sharing, ensuring that parents are thoroughly prepared and feel supported every step of the way.
The image above captures the moment shortly after the birth of my first child, an experience that was deeply traumatic for me. This profound experience fuels my passion and commitment to advocate for the benefits of hypnobirthing. Every day, I am driven to share how incredibly helpful and transformative hypnobirthing can be for all types of births. I truly believe that if all parents were able to access this education we would see a dramatic reduction in birth trauma rates.
Research indicates that each year, 4-5% of women develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth, which translates to roughly 30,000 women across the UK. Additionally, about one-third of women report finding their birthing experience traumatic.
The Need for a Standardised Approach
Findings from the Birth Trauma Inquiry emphasize the necessity for a consistent standard in maternity care across the UK. Currently, the approach is fragmented, with multiple strategies but no comprehensive guideline that ties them together. The call for a single, continually updated document on the UK government website is aimed at ensuring high-quality, uniform care that can significantly reduce the incidence of birth trauma.
Introducing The Wise Hippo Birthing Programme
Amid these discussions, The Wise Hippo Birthing Programme emerges as a beacon of hope and reform. Our programme is designed to empower expectant parents through education and support, creating an environment where birth is not feared but embraced with confidence and calm.
How The Wise Hippo Makes a Difference
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Empowerment through Education: We equip parents with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their childbirth experience, countering the lack of information that many parents report during their maternity care.
- Supportive Community: Beyond just medical knowledge, The Wise Hippo creates a supportive community where parents can share experiences and gain emotional support, which is crucial for mental health during and after pregnancy.
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Continuous Care: We advocate for continuous and comprehensive postnatal care, ensuring that parents receive the physical and mental health support they need after delivery, which aligns with the inquiry’s recommendation for a separate 6-week check-up for mothers.
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Addressing Inequality: Recognising the disparities in care, particularly among ethnic minority groups, The Wise Hippo is committed to inclusivity and support for all parents, helping to bridge the gap and ensure equitable care.
As the inquiry brings to light the urgent need for improvement in maternity services, The Wise Hippo Birthing Programme stands ready to play a pivotal role in this transformation. By aligning our goals with the recommendations of the inquiry, we are committed to making childbirth a positive, safe, and empowering experience for every family. Together, we can reshape maternity care, ensuring that high standards are not just an aspiration but a reality.
For more information on today's Birth Trauma Report click here:
Birth Trauma Report 13th May 2024
With warmth and wisdom
Tamara Cianfini
tamara@thewisehippo.com