About one in three people who gave birth say their experience was traumatic. This means it felt very upsetting or even scary. We know that physical pain and emotional distress often happen together.
That’s why we want to make sure our service supports people in a kind, safe and caring way — without causing more harm.
To help us do this, we would like to hear about your experience of birth — especially if you had a perineal injury.
We have a few questions to help guide your story, but you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
1. If you feel okay to, please share anything that you think made your birth feel upsetting or traumatic.
For example, this could be something about your care, a physical injury, how easy it was to get help or treatment, the people who looked after you, or the place where you gave birth.
2. Did you feel you were given clear and helpful information about your injury and the care you received?
3. Did anyone in your care team make you feel especially supported or unsupported?
(Please tell us anything you remember)
4. Did your injury affect how you felt emotionally after giving birth?
5. Did you feel able to talk about your feelings with your doctor, midwife or other health workers?
6. What kind of emotional support (if any) did you get?
(Tick all that apply)