The Team Around the Client Magazine

“This edition of Team Around the Client magazine focuses on birth trauma and maternal choice. Birth is often described as a time of joy, strength and new beginnings. But for many women and birthing people, the story is more complicated – marked by trauma, fear and loss of autonomy. In this issue, which coincides with Maternal Mental Health Awareness week, we discuss birth trauma and maternal choice and how we can better honour the voices of mothers that have all too often been silenced or dismissed.

This series features an article with Professor Siassakos, Professor of Obstetrics looking at how the process of maternal choice and consent is working in practice, we explore what the obstacles are from a clinicians perspective and consider how the consent process in maternity care may change in the future with the introduction of technology. Dr Hannah Bashforth, Clinical Psychologist discusses with Hannah Blackwell, a specialist maternal injury lawyer, the psychological impact a lack of maternal choice can have on a mother and how it impacts on birth trauma.

We are incredibly grateful to Lauren Taylor and Katie Whyley, clients of RWK Goodman’s specialist maternal injury team who bravely talk about their personal experiences. Lauren tells her story of birth injury and birth trauma and how pursuing her case helped her regain the ability to make choices about her future. Katie talks about her experience of pursuing a case with our specialist maternal injury team and how the process helped her regain trust.

Finally, we reflect on last year’s Birth Trauma Inquiry report and look at what progress has been made in terms of the report’s recommendations and what more needs to be done. We all need to do our bit to raise awareness of birth trauma and to give women a voice, seek justice and drive change in healthcare practices.“

Hannah Blackwell, Senior Associate and Guest Editor of this Edition of the Team Around the Client Magazine.

There has been a lot of focus on maternal choice and informed consent in recent years, but it is clear it is still a major concern in maternity care and is still not happening how the law requires. Hannah Blackwell investigates with obstetrics expert Prof. Siassakos.

Giving birth can be an extremely traumatising experience for some mothers and, coupled with a physical injury, the impact can be life-long. How can we ensure this is recognised when going through the process of a legal claim?