Research shows that 4-5% of women develop post-traumatic stress disorder after giving birth, equivalent to approximately 30,000 women every year. Serious physical injuries such as pelvic organ prolapse, perineal tears, pelvic pain and incontinence due to childbirth are also commonly reported.
Geeta Nayar's life took a drastic turn during the traumatic birth of her first child, Maya, in 2008. Suffering from Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASI) and Post-Natal PTSD, Geeta's health, career, and family were profoundly affected. In February 2024 Geeta bravely shared her experience as an expert in maternity safety in the first National Birth Trauma Inquiry in the history of UK Parliament.
Geeta's testimony, alongside other affected women, underscored the urgent need for improved maternal safety measures and increased awareness surrounding birth trauma.
The Inquiry, conducted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Birth Trauma led by Theo Clarke MP, focused on gathering evidence from both parents and professionals to develop policy recommendations aimed at reducing the incidence of birth trauma and will be reporting its findings next week. A survey conducted by the APPG revealed staggering statistics, with 79% of women reporting some form of birth trauma, highlighting the urgent need for reform in maternity care practices.
Geeta's involvement in the inquiry, both as an expert in maternity care and a survivor of birth trauma, provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by affected women. Drawing on her personal experience and professional expertise Geeta advocated for systemic changes to improve maternal safety and support services for women experiencing birth trauma. Her contributions, alongside those of other stakeholders, will play a pivotal role in shaping government policy and driving positive change in maternity care practices.
Evidence shows that South Asian women experience disproportionately poor outcomes in maternal and neonatal care. They are at higher risk of complications such as maternal death, severe perineal injuries, stillbirth and preterm birth.
“By way of background 15 years ago whilst having my first child I unfortunately sustained life-changing obstetric injuries. At that time I had no idea that Asian women were at much higher risk of OASI (obstetric anal sphincter injuries.) There began a long journey of repair surgeries and other treatments. I remain doubly incontinent and the impact on my life and family has been huge. In 2015 I was asked by Professor Mike Keighley to support the start of The MASIC Foundation – the only charity that supports women with OASI and have been closely involved with the charity since, speaking about my injuries to healthcare professionals to give visibility to the impact of these injuries and how they can be prevented, detected and better repaired. Ranee Thakar, President of the RCOG, has also been a huge advocate for the charity with her passion for improving women’s pelvic health,” Geeta said.
Geeta left her career for over a decade due to her devastating injuries and has recently been supported to return to her law Firm Irwin Mitchell to work with their charitable partners and to support other women who have been affected by birth trauma. She has also been supported by Irwin Mitchell to put on the first South Asian Maternal Health Conference will be held at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) in London on Friday 28th June 2024. Key speakers will include Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and Dr Nighat Arif, NHS GP, Author, and Resident Doctor on BBC Breakfast and ITV.
This groundbreaking high-profile event has been co-produced with healthcare providers, policymakers, charities, community groups and South Asian mothers with lived experience. The most important aspect is that it is a unique true collaboration of expertise and that there is the opportunity to learn how to engage and reduce adverse outcomes.
The conference is supported by many of the main Birth Injury and Women’s Health Charities and organisations including The MASIC Foundation, The Birth Trauma Association, Make Birth Better, ASAM (Association of South Asian Midwives), British Sikh Nurses Association, Cysters, The Raham Project and Wellbeing of Women to name a few.
Geeta Nayar told Asian Voice, “The focus of this conference is to identify positive and meaningful ways to collaboratively tackle these serious health inequalities and develop innovative approaches to drive progress.”
The day will host a diverse and highly engaged audience of midwives, obstetricians, GPs, colorectal surgeons, neonatologists, nurses, pelvic health physiotherapists, health visitors, professional organisations, charities, grassroots organisations and anyone with an interest in improving maternal outcomes.
Looking ahead, Geeta remains committed to her advocacy work, collaborating with charity partners and policymakers to create meaningful and practical changes in maternity care. Through her tireless efforts, Geeta continues to be a beacon of hope for women affected by birth trauma, advocating for their rights and ensuring their voices are heard in the halls of power.
As Geeta's journey demonstrates, the fight against birth trauma is far from over. However, with dedicated individuals like Geeta leading the charge, there is hope for a future where every woman receives the care and support she deserves during childbirth, free from the trauma that has plagued so many for far too long.
