If you need support following birth trauma please follow the tabs above to find comfort and support options.
If you would like to know more about My Birth Story and Birth Trauma Aotearoa, please read on.
The My Birth Story birth trauma support website was developed in 2017 by Kiwi mum Kate Hicks.
Following her own tricky birth experience, Kate realised there was very little in the way of online support, information and resources for New Zealanders who have had a negative or traumatic birth experience. Kate searched high and low for information about experiences such as hers. She was looking for reassurance that what she was feeling was normal, that she wasn't over-reacting or making a fuss out of nothing.
However, she struggled to find anything that was Aotearoa/NZ focused, and what she did find was primarily about postnatal depression and other mental health challenges. So, she decided to create the My Birth Story support website.
Photo by Stuff
"I hope that My Birth Story helps you to know that what you are feeling is valid, is normal and is OK.
I hope you can find some comfort in these pages, and that you have found a place where you can begin to process your experience and heal from it - however and whenever that healing may occur for you.
I hope that My Birth Story is a place for you to begin to re-write your own birth story."
Birth Trauma Aotearoa
Since launching My Birth Story in 2017, Kate’s work evolved to include birth trauma education and advocacy in Aotearoa New Zealand. Through this work, and in connecting with others working in the perinatal wellbeing space, Kate has come to see where the needs are in terms of reducing the incidence of birth trauma as well as increasing support for whānau.
Birth Trauma Aotearoa is a Charitable Trust continuing this mahi - our work focuses on advocacy, education, research and support options for both physical and psychological birth trauma.
Kate is available to share her birth trauma knowledge and experience with your group/staff/conference. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this.
Our Supporters:
The My Birth Story website would not be possible without the following organisations and individuals who have volunteered their time and expertise. Huge thanks to you all for your support and input.
Businesses + organisations:
Individuals:
Jo, Kelly, Kate, Lisa K, Lisa M, Carla, Emily, Kristal, Lucy and the My Birth Story Focus Group.