Amy Dawes OAM
Founder, CEO & Director Birth Trauma Australia
Amy is an effective advocate for bringing consumers, clinicians and researchers together to support women and families affected by birth-related trauma. In 2016, Amy established Birth Trauma Australia (BTA), a national, peer-led charity dedicated to preventing and treating birth-related trauma. We achieve this through advocacy, education, research, and peer support, aiming to create safer births and better healing for families across Australia. Our mission is to amplify the voices of those affected, drive systemic change in maternity care, and ensure that no one feels alone in their recovery journey.
Fiona Reid
Midwife Birth Trauma Australia
Fiona has practised midwifery for over 30 years. She has worked in rural, regional, and metropolitan centres. She has worked in several midwifery roles, including private midwifery practice, birth centres, MGP and overseas in Papua New Guinea and India. She has worked as a Midwifery Clinical Specialist in a Level 6 Maternity Hospital and as a Clinical Midwifery Consultant in a Level 5 Maternity Hospital.
In 2018, Fiona initiated and developed a Formal Birth Debriefing Service using Trauma Informed Care principles at a regional hospital, and in that capacity, she has debriefed more than 500 women, families, and practising midwives. She now understands the urgent need for deep, compassion-driven care in maternity services for everyone involved in both receiving care and for those providing care if we are to modify trauma by protecting the ‘humanness’ of expert clinical practice. Fiona has been a member and clinical consultant for BTA since 2019.
Trauma-Informed Postnatal Care
This comprehensive workshop offers a grounded and compassionate approach to understanding and recognising trauma in the perinatal context.
Designed for healthcare professionals, and anyone supporting birthing individuals during the perinatal period, the session explores the complex intersection of trauma in both the body and mind. We will unpack how trauma manifests physiologically and psychologically, and how these responses can impact the birthing experience and recovery.
Participants will gain practical tools for managing trauma in the moment, learning how to recognise signs of dysregulation and apply immediate strategies to support safety and grounding, both for your clients and yourselves.
The workshop also covers trauma symptoms, assessment, and support pathways, equipping attendees with knowledge to identify trauma responses and confidently signpost to appropriate care.
A special focus is given to planning a subsequent birth after trauma, acknowledging the layered emotions and fears that may arise. Through evidence-informed guidance, we will explore how to prepare for a new birth experience that is informed, supported, and empowering.
Finally, the workshop addresses the often-overlooked topic of vicarious trauma.
Professionals working closely with trauma survivors are at risk of emotional fatigue and burnout. We will identify signs of secondary trauma, discuss strategies for resilience, and highlight the importance of reflective practice and peer support.
With a blend of neuroscience, real-world experience, and trauma-informed principles, this workshop provides a safe space to build confidence, deepen understanding, and foster healing.