Preventing Birth Trauma

Overview

When you’re pregnant and thinking about birth, the risk of birth trauma may or may not be on your preparation list. And if it is – where and how do you start with this? It’s hard to know what you don’t know, or to know which questions to ask.

No one wants to navigate birth trauma.

The good news is that there are some circumstances where it may be avoidable, and preparation for this starts in pregnancy.

Join the author of Preventing Birth Trauma, Dr Emma Black, for a look at evidence-based steps to help you move towards a positive birth (and away from the risk of birth trauma).

Prevention is always better than cure.

Goals and Outcomes

• Learn practical steps associated with a lower risk of birth trauma.
• And, when trauma is not preventable:
  • To learn immediate action steps that can help in the aftermath.
  • To reduce the risk of self-blame happening afterward (for not being more informed, prepared, or for the choices made).

What is covered?

• What is involved in a positive birth - and a traumatic one. 
• Practical steps you can take in pregnancy to help labour go well
• Key considerations for labour
• Steps to help manage the fear of birth
• Informed decision-making
• If birth doesn’t go well: what to do immediately after birth to reduce the risk of traumatisation.

Target Audience

This webinar is aimed at pregnant women and their partners.

Women intending to become pregnant and wanting to be prepared may be interested in attending.

People with an interest in birth trauma may wish to attend.  

About the Presenter

Dr Emma Black is an experienced Perinatal Clinical Psychologist, and the author of The Pregnancy Myths Guide, The Birth Myths Guide, and Preventing Birth Trauma. She has also authored 17 peer-reviewed journal articles.  

Emma is passionate about supporting women, and has dedicated her career to this. She currently works in private practice in Townsville.

Emma loves living in the tropics with her family, and has weaknesses for chocolate and coffee.

Additional Points to Note

1. Zoom links for the webinar will be emailed on the morning of the webinar (29/10).

2. The webinar will be recorded and available to be watched until 16/12/2026.

3. If there is time at the end of the webinar, questions will be answered. Priority will be given to questions submitted in advance and questions raised more than once by different attendees.

4. This webinar is intended as an overview of some factors linked to a lower risk of birth trauma. It is not comprehensive, or an in-depth exploration of these factors.

5. Some birth trauma is not preventable or influenceable, regardless of the actions taken.

6. The information presented is general in nature, and for informational purposes only. It does not constitute psychological, medical, or maternity advice or treatment, and should never replace or supersede tailored advice from your medical and birth practitioners. All health decisions should be informed by your maternity/medical care team and remain your responsibility.