An evaluation of a trauma-focused group intervention for women accessing a maternal mental health service

BACKGROUND: Psychological birth trauma affects 1 in 3 women and 4-5% go on to develop childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CBPTSD). Maternal Mental Health Services (MMHS) have been established in the UK to provide psychological assessment and intervention for women experiencing CBPTSD following psychological birth trauma. CBPTSD symptoms can impact the transition to parenthood and the parent-infant relationship. Providing timely psychological intervention is therefore crucial in supporting women and families. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: This service evaluation aimed to evaluate a trauma-focused group intervention on reducing psychological distress and CBPTSD symptoms for women following psychological birth trauma in a MMHS. METHOD: The service evaluation included 30 women who attended a 6-week psychological intervention group. The group was facilitated online and included psychoeducation and grounding and stabilisation skills. Participants completed a range of self-report measures pre- and post-intervention that assessed psychological distress and CBPTSD symptoms. Participant therapy goals were also assessed. RESULTS: Results indicated the group contributed to statistically significant reductions in psychological distress and CBPTSD symptoms, contributing to the growing evidence base for interventions following psychological birth trauma. There were also statistically significant differences in therapy goals following the group, indicating acceptability of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This service evaluation provides valuable insights into the role of group intervention for supporting women after psychological birth trauma within MMHS. Future research can build on this by replicating with larger samples to further explore efficacy and incorporate assessment of long-term change. Additionally, the efficacy and acceptability require exploration within more diverse samples.