Let’s Talk with Amy Dawes
Today's episode is with the incredible co-founder and CEO of the Australasian Birth Trauma Association, Amy Dawes. Amy is an effective advocate for bringing consumers, clinicians and researchers together to support women and families affected by birth-related trauma. In 2017, Amy launched the Australasian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA), she has established a not-for-profit organisation focused on the recognition and understanding of birth-related complications. With a multi-disciplinary advisory group of midwives, physiotherapists, obstetricians, gynaecologists, perinatal psychiatrists and clinical researchers, she is working to develop the resources and strategies to prevent and effectively manage birth-related trauma. Amy’s understanding of birth-related trauma has come from her own experience, and the many birthing people she has listened to and helped to find support. Amy’s vision is to break down the stigma attached to birth trauma, and empower birthing families to feel comfortable speaking out, so as to continue driving change in current maternity practices in Australia and New Zealand.
In this chat we talk on:
Amy's experience around birth trauma herself and her postpartum experience
How Amy dealt with this time and what steps she took after her prolapse diagnosis to feel less alone and more connected
Why no one is talking about birth injuries and trauma associated with birthing
Side effects and feelings around experiencing birth trauma, and how
What led Amy to start the Australasian Birth Trauma Foundation [ABTA] and why there was only one other organisation around birth trauma and injury worldwide
Barriers and challenges people face when accessing care in the antenatal and postnatal period
All about Birth Trauma Awareness Week, how you can get involved and support ABTA
Plus so much more
Throughout the ep, Amy mentioned lots of amazing resources! You can check them out here:
Pelvic Health Physios to Support Birthing Women Petition: http://chng.it/KVfJJFpd
ABTA Birth-Related Trauma Support Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/birthtrauma.org.au
Birth Trauma Awareness Week 2021 - Better Healing: https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/birth-trauma-awareness-week/
Register for the WalkNTalk: https://fundraise.birthtrauma.org.au/event/walkntalk/home
If you loved hearing from Amy, and want more from her you can follow her on Instagram @amydawes07 and Australasian Birth Trauma Association @birthtrauma.org.au. You can also head to their website www.birthtrauma.org.au. If you want to keep updated with all things Let's Talk, Period. you can find us on Instagram at @letstalkperiodau.
Thank you so much to Calm Crew for making this episode of Let's Talk, Period. possible! You can find their Calm Crew Fleece bundles right here. Don't forget you can use code 'letstalkperiod25' for a massive 25% off your order.
Your host is Isabella Gosling (@i_gosling)