Episode 99

full
Published on:

3rd Sep 2025

Birth Trauma and antenatal preparation with Trudi Webber from Make Birth Better

We know that for many families, birth doesn’t always go the way you hoped or imagined, and it can leave a lasting impact. In this episode, we spoke with Trudi about what birth trauma really means, why antenatal education is so important, and how parents can prepare for and recover from challenging experiences.  

Unfortunately in this episode Claire’s internet gave up the ghost and so Becks had to go it alone (Claire never usually let’s that happen!) - we hope that this doesn’t spoil your enjoyment of the episode in any way 😊. 

  • Trudi began by telling us all about herself and her background (she used to be a chartered accountant!) and why she came to be involved in Make Birth Better. 
  • What birth trauma is, how common it is and what stages it can happen at. Links with depression and PTSD etc. 
  • Signs that might indicate birth trauma (eg avoidance of certain settings, appointments etc) along with statistics around birth trauma and PTSD. 
  • Becks talked about her own birth experience (19 years ago!) and how a debrief of the experience she and her husband had would have been really welcome and helpful.  
  • The importance of keeping lines of communication open.  
  • Antenatal education and preparation. 
  • How a birth partner can support before and during birth, but that birth can have an impact on them as well. 
  • ‘Birth trauma is in the eye of a beholder’ – Cheryl Beck – how every experience is valid and any birth can be traumatic. 
  • The process for post birth ‘de-briefs’. 
  • What Trudi would say to expectant parents who are anxious about giving birth.  
  • Compassionate care and support – at the heart of our maternity services. 
  • Tips for looking after yourself emotionally preparing for, during and after giving birth.  

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Make Birth Better website - https://www.makebirthbetter.org/ 

You may also be interested in our Hypnobirthing episode – listen here 

For information about a Bespoke Family Parent Consultation click here  

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This podcast is produced by Decibelle Creative 

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About the Podcast

Newborn to Teen and Everything in Between
Your go-to for advice on how to communicate with the children in your life. Brought to you by family consultancy Bespoke Family, enabling families to thrive
Join us (Becks and Claire) for a new episode every fortnight, for accessible, light-hearted and well researched advice and guidance on the various ways we can tackle the ups and downs of life with children (and have a bit of a giggle along the way!)
Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, TA or childcare worker, or just looking to gain a better understanding of the world through a child’s eyes, we have 25 years of childcare experience to share with you. Listen for judgement free reassurance and support to help you navigate tricky conversations, challenging behaviour, complex emotions, and the general day to day pressures of raising and working with children.
We believe that a child centred approach which recognises and respects individuality is the best way to enable families to thrive.
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This podcast is proudly produced by Decibelle Creative