Race, Cultural Sensitivity & Birth Trauma

Exploring inequality, cultural understanding and trauma-informed maternity care

Race, racism and cultural differences can profoundly influence experiences of pregnancy, birth and postnatal care. For some women and birthing people, experiences of discrimination, stereotyping, poor communication and not being listened to can compound distress and contribute to traumatic maternity experiences.

This Make Birth Better workshop explores the relationship between race, cultural sensitivity and birth trauma, encouraging professionals to reflect on how individual interactions, organisational cultures and wider systemic inequalities can shape experiences of care.

Through a trauma-informed lens, we will consider the importance of cultural humility, respectful communication, recognising bias and understanding the impact of power and discrimination within maternity services.

The workshop aims to move beyond awareness towards meaningful reflection and practical changes in care.

Key areas of exploration include:

• Understanding racial inequalities and disparities in maternity care.

• Exploring how racism, discrimination and bias can intersect with experiences of birth trauma.

• Recognising the importance of cultural identity, beliefs and individual experiences.

• Considering how communication, consent, power and trust influence psychological safety.

• Reflecting on culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approaches to maternity care.

• Identifying practical changes that can support more equitable, inclusive and respectful care.

Who is this workshop for?

Maternity and perinatal professionals, including midwives, obstetricians, health visitors, perinatal mental health practitioners, doulas, antenatal educators and anyone supporting families through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.

Our aim

To support professionals to deepen their understanding, reflect critically on their practice and contribute to maternity care where everyone feels listened to, respected, culturally understood and psychologically safe.