In a pledge to improve the states’ maternity care, the New South Wales government dedicated $83 million. Nearly $45 million of that investment will be directed towards the development of improvements found after an extensive investigation into birth trauma. This funding comes a full year after that inquiry ended. The inquiry, which received more than 4,000 written submissions and held six public hearings, brought attention to the systemic barriers that families are facing across the maternity landscape. Parents, advocates, and healthcare professionals rejoiced when this funding was included. Most importantly, they believe it’ll be a “game changer” in preventing birth trauma and improving the quality of care.
Among those directly affected by birth trauma is Naomi Bowden, who shared her painful experience following her daughter’s stillbirth three years ago. Looking forward, Bowden hopes that the funds recently allocated will result in more successful redevelopments that allow families in similar positions to thrive themselves. Ryan Park, a key figure in the inquiry, expressed his belief that the funding will address significant gaps in maternity care, stating that continuity of care with a known midwife is essential for positive experiences.
Inquiry Background and Impact
The birth trauma legislative inquiry was definitely a turning point. It dealt with the complicated nature of the relationship between mothers and their neonates. This caused a wave of public concern and campaigning from many community sectors, led predominantly by a group called Better Births Illawarra. Sharon Settecasse, a spokesperson for the organization, emphasized the importance of the inquiry’s findings. She gave credit to the parents brave enough to tell their stories. “We’re overjoyed by this announcement … we’re a bit speechless to be honest,” she stated.
Ryan Park reflected on the investigation’s effect on him both personally and professionally. He noted, “To be blunt, I was sick of reading about [birth trauma], I was sick of hearing about it. I wanted to use this budget to try and deal with some of the issues.” This enthusiasm indeed speaks to a greater yearning from the community to affect real and lasting change in the face of our current maternity care crisis.
The inquiry’s recommendations have informed the government’s funding allocation, with over $44 million earmarked for expanding the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP), a program designed to provide continuous care by known midwives. Park added, “Time and time again, I heard continuity of care with a known midwife is really important, and I’ve spoken to obstetricians who said that is an area where we need to improve.”
Support from Families and Advocates
The families who have experienced birth trauma are incredibly supportive and hopeful. They’re convinced that this kind of investment will deliver transformational change to the state’s maternity services. Natalie Webb from Tumbarumba. She was one of the first women to publicly share her own experience with birth trauma. She gave evidence at the Wagga Wagga public hearing of the national inquiry, pushing for more appropriate care for mothers.
Webb reflected on her experience, stating, “That would have made a huge difference to me — having someone I knew and could trust and who could have advocated for [me] when I couldn’t advocate for myself.” Her words resonate profoundly with families. They want a compassionate, judgment-free place to land during one of life’s most vulnerable experiences.
Alecia Staines, part of the advocacy effort that led to this inquiry, applauded the work of those women who helped get the inquiry going. She remarked, “Credit where credit is due; those initial women of Wagga Wagga were crucial and hats off to them.” Staines went on to emphasize that this funding means more than just progress, but a legacy created from pain. “It’s not easy, and it’s such a brave thing they have done, and this is a lasting legacy and something they can be proud of that has come from their pain and suffering,” she added.
Implementation Timeline and Future Expectations
We expect the NSW government to announce new funding any day now. While new midwives should be on the ground in two years, that timeline is contingent upon their recruitment and training. This timeline provides a glimmer of hope for families in need of better maternity care soon.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) are calling for better support to build the midwifery workforce. They argue that a multicategorical framework is needed to respond to the unique and complicated realities faced by women and birthing people of all colors. Their feedback highlights the need for holistic care that extends past midwifery practice.
