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Birth Trauma National Survey GPs

Thank you!

We know you are already doing everything you can to support women and birthing people in your care. We really appreciate the time you are taking to fill out this survey.

This survey is part of Make Birth Better’s "Think Trauma Now" campaign, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

The goal of this campaign is for everyone to know about birth trauma and how to find the support they need.

In this survey birth trauma (also known as ‘perinatal trauma’) describes mental health symptoms of trauma related to the birth itself and/or circumstances in the perinatal period. Examples of these circumstances might be fertility issues, hyperemesis gravidarum or breastfeeding challenges. Symptoms present on a scale and those most severely affected may have PTSD.

Before you move on, please only continue with this survey if:
  • You're a GP working in the UK (not retired)
  • You work in the NHS
Note: We strongly encourage honest answers and your answers will be anonymous.

Thank you again for taking part!
From,
Team Make Birth Better
1.Where do you currently work?
2.Are you aware that it is possible that your patients may experience symptoms of psychological trauma* relating to the birth itself or circumstances around the birth? Also known as 'birth trauma', 'postnatal PTSD' and 'perinatal trauma'.


* Symptoms of perinatal trauma include:
  • avoidance behaviours (e.g. avoiding hospitals or pregnant friends)
  • hypervigilance (e.g. feeling switched on all the time and unsafe in the world)
  • re-experiencing traumatic events (e.g. flashbacks and/or nightmares; reliving their birth)
  • negative thoughts or feelings
  • intrusive thoughts
3.How knowledgeable do you feel about recognising the symptoms of birth trauma?
4.How knowledgeable do you feel about telling the difference between birth trauma and other maternal mental health challenges? E.g. postnatal depression and postnatal anxiety.
5.How often do you discuss the birth experience with your patients who are pregnant or have given birth? For example you might ask "What was your birth experience like?"; "It can be very common to find childbirth traumatic and upsetting, how do you feel about your birth?"
6.Do you feel that the training you have had equips you to support your patients with birth trauma?
7.How confident do you feel in signposting support options if you suspect your patient may need help with birth trauma?
8.How knowledgeable do you feel about the birth trauma support services available through the NHS and third sector organisations in your area?
9.Please tick below the local and national services you might signpost your patients to or refer them into.
10.Anything you'd like to add in explanation of your answers or anything else you'd like to add:
11.Would you like to be entered into a competition to win a Fortnum & Mason Afternoon Tea Gift Box? Please write your email address here. We will only use your email address for the prize draw, not for our analysis.
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