Australia's maternity crisis: How birth trauma is reshaping motherhood

Australia’s maternity care system is facing growing criticism as experts highlight widespread birth trauma. A national conference in Brisbane next March will address the issue, aiming to reform how care is delivered. Advocates warn that too many women suffer lasting psychological and physical harm during childbirth. Giuditta Tomasini, a mother of four, experienced trauma during her first birth after being induced before she felt ready. When an emergency caesarean followed, staff told her that her 'labour failed', leaving her feeling blamed rather than supported. Her later births—two more caesareans and a natural delivery—left her feeling pressured and ignored by medical teams.

Perinatal health psychologist Dr. Heather Matner estimates that at least half of Australian women endure some form of birth trauma, with figures potentially reaching 70%. She also notes that around 30% of perinatal women in Australia develop post-traumatic stress disorder as a result. Tomasini believes respectful care during birth could strengthen a woman’s confidence in motherhood. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) has admitted the need for better recognition and response to psychological birth trauma. Advocates are now pushing governments to acknowledge the scale of the problem to prevent further harm.

The upcoming Brisbane conference marks a step toward reforming Australia’s maternity care. Experts and affected mothers are calling for systemic change to reduce trauma and improve support. Without action, the risk of long-term harm for women remains high.