Posttraumatic stress in midwives and witnessing birth trauma

What is it about?

Witnessing care-related birth trauma was common. Midwives experience strong emotional reactions in response to witnessing birth trauma, in particular, care-related birth trauma. Almost one-fifth of midwives met criteria for probable posttraumatic stress disorder

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Why is it important?

If midwives are struggling with posttraumatic stress responses they will be less emotionally available and sensitive to the needs of birthing women. Re-modelling how we provide maternity services can make is safer for midwives and for women. Midwives are only witnessing these traumatic events because women are experiencing them... this is largely preventable.