Birth debrief clinic helps Bunbury mums with first steps into parenthood

WA Country Health Service is trialling an innovative new clinic in Bunbury giving local mums the opportunity to work with experts and “debrief” on their childbirth experience. 

For many women, childbirth can bring up unexpected feelings and experiences – no matter how prepared the family is for the birth.

The newly implemented debriefing sessions provide women with the opportunity to talk about what happened.

“Birth stories are an important part of a women’s life,” WACHS South West Clinical Midwifery Manager Katrina Jones said.

“We know for women, telling their birth story is a way to make sense of what is a really physical and emotional experience.”

Ms Jones said that during the debrief, a midwife will go through the maternity care record step-by-step, explaining what happened and why.

“The overall idea of a birth debrief is to give women a supportive space where they can fill any gaps,” Ms Jones said.

“We can talk about how they feel, the experience, decisions and conversations that took place that really help new families to understand their labour and childbirth.”

“It’s best to wait at least a month after the birth to have the debrief, to allow yourself time to settle into parenthood.”

WACHS A/Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery Russell Colyer-Cockburn said the pilot was an excellent initiative.

“I’m really pleased we’re able to bring this service to the South West,” he said.

“We know a more holistic approach really helps for both physical and mental recovery after childbirth.

We’re providing new mums with the best possible start on their journey into motherhood”.

Contact the Bunbury Regional Hospital Birth Debrief Clinic via the Maternity Ward Clerk on 9722 1348.