KCHFT Health Visiting wins birth trauma support award

KCHFT Health Visiting has been recognised at the Annual Birth Trauma Summit for pioneering work in supporting families affected by birth trauma.

The summit, held on Tuesday 13 May 2025, is an annual event which aims to upskill healthcare professionals around birth trauma. The team picked up the award for improving awareness and for a screening programme.

Emma Tucker, Education Lead for the Health Visiting Service and a #Think Trauma Now Campaign - Make Birth Better Campaign Ambassador, said:. "I am incredibly proud of my colleagues in the Health Visiting team. Their hard work means that families receive the support they need, ultimately improving outcomes for both parents and babies.

"We’ve introduced trauma-informed training for all staff to help them understand and respond to birth trauma with sensitivity. Our newly developed birth trauma assessment tool allows us to have meaningful conversations with families about their birth experiences."

The team have also strengthened relationships with partner agencies and recruited four Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Leads, who offer expert support to both staff and families in complex cases.

The impact of birth trauma

Emma Tucker

Every year, about 30,000 people in the UK experience birth trauma.

Emma said: "For many, what should be a joyful occasion becomes a distressing and vulnerable experience.

"Birth trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect mothers, fathers, same-sex partners and other birth partners. It’s essential that their experiences are acknowledged and that they receive the support they deserve."

Factors contributing to birth trauma include prolonged or painful labour, insufficient pain relief, high levels of medical intervention and feelings of loss of control.

Emma concluded, "I’m proud to be part of a team that’s committed to improving care and mental health outcomes for families. This recognition reinforces the importance of the work we do and the difference we make."

For more information on birth trauma and available support, visit Make Birth Better’s Birth Trauma Support Page.

Watch Emma speaking about birth trauma education, alongside BBC Strictly's Dr Punam Krishnan GP