ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the reader with an understanding of how previous traumatic birth, irrespective of location around the globe or model of care, may affect women’s choices about future pregnancies and births, and in turn how this may impact midwifery decision-making. It also provides an overview of knowledge about prevalence and causation of traumatic births and the long-term consequences. The chapter illustrates how a previous traumatic birth can affect women’s relationships with midwives and other care providers, and the implications this has for midwifery decision-making. Feeling in control of decisions that are made and able to exercise choice can be a protective factor against women experiencing birth as a traumatic event. Experiencing a traumatic birth has long-term negative consequences for women around the globe. Working with pregnant women who have previously experienced a traumatic birth brings specific challenges to midwives around the globe.
