Improving maternal health

Australasian Birth Trauma Association
Inspirational. Generous. Thought-leader

For the past five years, Amy Dawes has poured her heart and soul into reducing stigma and increasing understanding of birth-related trauma that impacts 1 in 3 Australian women as well as birthing partners and professionals.

Amy co-founded the Australasian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA) in 2016, the first charity in Australia solely dedicated to supporting families impacted by birth-related trauma.

Amy was driven to do something positive after she experienced severe injuries from the birth of her daughter and struggled to find information and support. “I felt isolated and alone, but when I discovered how common birth trauma is, I wanted to be a voice for the many people that are suffering in silence,” she says.

ABTA provides free, peer-led support to thousands of families across Australia. The charity hosts online support services that connect those who have experienced birth-related trauma with peer mentors who have walked the journey before them. This unique support has provided valuable information to help inform their work and puts them in a unique position to represent and support the birthing community.

As a result, ABTA also provides training, resources, and information to professionals, aimed at reducing the rates of birth trauma and enable better diagnosis and pathways to care. Amy feels grateful to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “It means the world to me,” she says.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. ABTA will expand their in-person support programs across Australia and fund a Brisbane-based facilitator.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here