A scoping review of effective health practices for the treatment of birth trauma

Julie Jomeen; Frances Guy; Julia Marsden; Marilyn Clarke; Jennifer Darby; Angeline Landry; Elaine Jefford

doi:10.1016/j.midw.2025.104382

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A scoping review of effective health practices for the treatment of birth trauma

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

A scoping review of effective health practices for the treatment of birth trauma

Julie Jomeen, Frances Guy, Julia Marsden, Marilyn Clarke, Jennifer Darby, Angeline Landry and Elaine Jefford

Midwifery, Vol.145, pp.1-17

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2025.104382

PMID: 40163912

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Abstract

Birth trauma

Childbirth-related PTSD

Interventions

Review

Background There is currently no consensus on the most effective health practices to manage or reduce the effects of birth trauma (BT) and childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD). Aim The aim was to map the current literature on effective health practices for BT/CB-PTSD, identify key elements (the what, when and how) important for effective health practices, and highlight gaps in maternity care. Methods A systematic search was conducted across key nursing, allied, and medical databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed) for key terms related to (1) birth trauma and (2) intervention. Only peer-reviewed, English-language papers published since 2000 were included to ensure the relevance and timeliness of the findings. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, 6,347 articles were identified through databases/registers and citation searching. After removing 1,342 duplicates, 5,005 were screened by title and abstract. A further 4,544 were excluded, leaving 461 for full-text screening. Afterf excluding another 433, 28 papers met inclusion for this review. Findings The first session delivered early (within the first 72 h of birth) by a clinician (midwife/psychologist/counsellor) significantly reduced BT/CB-PTSD in the short-term. Both trauma-focused and non-trauma-focused were supported at this stage, provided they were structured. If intervention is delayed (weeks to months post-birth), a trauma-focused, multi-session approach is recommended. Discussion Early, structured interventions should be considered routine care for women with BT/CB-PTSD, with more intensive, structured, trauma-focused approach for persistent symptoms. The potential role of digital mental health tools is promising, particularly for women in low-resource settings, but requires further research to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability.

Details

Title: A scoping review of effective health practices for the treatment of birth trauma
Authors: Julie Jomeen (Author) - Southern Cross University
Frances Guy - North Mid Coast Local Health District
Julia Marsden (Corresponding Author) - The University of Queensland
Marilyn Clarke - North Mid Coast Local Health District
Jennifer Darby - North Mid Coast Local Health District
Angeline Landry - North Mid Coast Local Health District
Elaine Jefford - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Midwifery
Publication details: Midwifery, Vol.145, pp.1-17
Publisher: Churchill LIvingstone
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2025.104382
ISSN: 1532-3099; 0266-6138
PMID: 40163912
Grant note: This project was funded by the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD).
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Midwifery
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991122149702621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Nursing