The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG, the College) has partnered with Birth Trauma Australia (BTA) to launch the Birth Trauma Education Project. The project is a response to the recommendations from the NSW Parliament’s Select Committee’s on Birth Trauma Inquiry, and ongoing collaboration with the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
The inquiries made it undeniably clear that, despite efforts to prevent it, birth trauma remains a persistent challenge faced by birthing people and those involved in providing maternity care. RANZCOG and BTA seek to make a meaningful difference to address the core causes of birth trauma through the creation of much-needed multidisciplinary training resources with a focus on trauma-informed care.
Funded by the Commonwealth Government, RANZCOG and BTA have developed the Birth Trauma Education Project, combining online learning modules with in-person multidisciplinary workshops. The pilot training program is being delivered virtually via webinar on 1, 4, and 5 December 2025.
Onsite training will also be delivered in Wonthaggi Hospital Bass Coast Health (Vic), King Edward Memorial Hospital (WA), and Wagga Wagga Base Hospital (NSW) in November and December 2025.
The virtual program is available and free to attend for all healthcare professionals in Australia who are involved in maternity care. Members of RANZCOG’s CPD Home who complete the training will be eligible to claim CPD hours. Learn more about the Project, and register for one of the upcoming webinars here.
Discussions are also underway in Aotearoa New Zealand to build on this project – the College is working collaboratively with Birth Trauma Aotearoa, the New Zealand College of Midwives, and other key stakeholders to research experiences of birth trauma in Aotearoa which will inform the development of an education program specific to Aotearoa New Zealand. RANZCOG continues to advocate for prevention of birth trauma through education, assessment, and access to physiotherapy treatment, especially during pregnancy.
Contact us
For more information, contact the Birth Trauma Education Project team.
Email: elearningsupport@ranzcog.edu.au
Media enquiries
Bec McPhee
Head of Advocacy & Communications
bmcphee@ranzcog.edu.au
+61 413 258 166
