Released on: 12 May 2025
The anniversary of the Birth Trauma All Party Parliamentary Group's report, Listen to Mums, and the annual Birth Trauma Summit run by Make Birth Better present an important moment to pause and recognise the experience of parents who have had traumatic births. These parents deserve immense compassion and empathy, but even more than that they deserve change to make maternity safety a top priority in the UK.
The UK maternity system is dangerously underfunded and understaffed. In 2024 the Care Quality Commission deemed almost half of all maternity units as in need of improvement (47%) on the measure of safety, with 18% rated as inadequate. It’s putting so many women, parents, and their babies at risk.
The delays in receiving care, poor communication and parents not being listened to and the absence of leadership and compassion are simply not acceptable. Black and Asian women and those facing deprivation and multiple disadvantages suffer disproportionately from these failings, and many have died in devastating and potentially avoidable circumstances.
Enough is enough – women and parents are demanding action. We need a system that prioritises cultural competence and trauma-informed care, but despite the clear recommendations in the APPG on Birth Trauma's report and from other major maternity inquiries, the government has been slow to act.
Responding to this crisis, NCT’s mission to support every parent through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood - regardless of their circumstances or decisions - has never been more vital.
With over 70 years of experience championing the voices and rights of pregnant women, people and new parents, we will continue to listen, to advocate, and to share evidence-based information, support and care, when it's needed most.
Last year Angela McConville, NCT’s Chief Executive, wrote that the government has “the knowledge and the means to stop birth trauma”. NCT will continue to campaign and collaborate until every parent in the UK has safe, personalised, and equitable care.
Strong advocates for women and their birth experiences are needed more than ever. The publication of Theo Clarke’s book, Breaking the Taboo, also published today, is an important step in the campaign for every parent’s right to a safe birth. Theo Clarke’s bravery in telling her own story of birth trauma has created space for thousands of women and parents to share their own experiences, sparking a crucial public campaign and calls to action.
Available support
If you or someone you know have experienced birth trauma, there is support available.
- Most NHS Trusts offer a birth reflections service where you meet with a midwife or maternity support worker to go through your notes and explain the events. It is important that you only do this when you feel ready to, even if this is months or years later.
- If you need to talk to someone urgently, contact Samaritans (UK: 08457 90 90 90 or ROI: 1850 60 90 90) or SANEline (0845 767 8000). You can also call your GP surgery for advice, during out of hours you should hear a recorded message giving advice as to who to call. NHS 111 is also available 24 hours a day.
- If your trauma is related to or is impacting feeding your baby, NCT’s infant feeding support line offers practical and emotional support: 0300 330 0700
- You might find it useful to contact a support group and gain peer support from others who have similar experiences. NCT Parents in Mind might have a service near you: Parents in Mind | Perinatal mental health peer support | NCT
- Birth Trauma Association
- Birthrights
- Make Birth Better
- MASIC Foundation: 24-hour free Birth Injury Support Helpline
- PANDAS
Feedback
If any expectant or new parent has feedback to share about our charity and services, whether positive or negative, please contact us.
