How to work with families to help recognise, prevent, and heal trauma experiences in the perinatal period

“My birth left me shaken, but I kept being told that a healthy baby is what matters. And so I plastered on a smile. This set the tone for the next six months.”

Australian research has found that up to 45% of women will report a traumatic experience during labour and birth (Creedy et al., 2000; Soet et al, 2003). Around 6% will go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (Alcorn et al, 2010), but for many more, unresolved birth trauma can contribute to the development of postnatal anxiety and/or depression.Those with prior trauma experiences are at risk of re-traumatisation, and have an increased risk of perinatal depression and anxiety. They include survivors of family violence, child abuse, sexual assault and other traumas common to the refugee experience.

Join us for an interactive day of learning, featuring dynamic speakers, inspiring examples of practice, lived experience stories and practical ideas for how midwives, MCH Nurses and other health professionals working with expecting and new parents can make a real difference.

Presentations from

Professor Louise Newman | Director of the RWH Centre for Women’s Mental Health; Professor of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne; Convenor of the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Group. Louise’s many research areas include the issues confronting parents with histories of early trauma and neglect; she has also been a government advisor on asylum seeker and refugee mental health. Her presentation will include insights gained from innovative programs at the Women’s with new parents experiencing trauma, depression and anxiety.

Rhea Dempsey | Independent Birth Educator, Counsellor, Author, Speaker | Rhea is a respected birth practitioner with over 35 years experience, a counsellor specialising in birth trauma and debriefing. She is a sought after presenter with a special interest in exploring the psychosocial factors that affect birth experiences.

PANDA presenters | PANDA Helpline counsellors and lived experience volunteers.

Booking Details

Tuesday 30 April 2019 | 9am to 4pm
Amora Hotel Riverwalk, 649 Bridge Road Richmond

$195 or $115 for students

PANDA workshops book out fast, don't miss out!