Traumatic birth leads mum to join awareness campaign

8:42am Saturday 16th August 2008

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THE mother of a boy with cerebral palsy is supporting a campaign to raise awareness of the impact of birth trauma.

In January 2004, Martine Fletcher, from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, was rushed to her local hospital when her waters broke 26 weeks into her pregnancy.

But because Bishop Auckland General Hospital did not have two incubators available, she was transferred to The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, where twins Charlie and Alanniah were delivered by Caesarean section.

Following the birth, bleeding from Charlie’s lung and trapped air meant a blood transfusion and chest drain were needed.

After 15 days on a ventilator, it was found that Charlie was suffering from water on his brain.

Four months later, after treatment at different hospitals, he was allowed home.

Unfortunately, Charlie is everely disabled and requires round-the-clock care.

Mrs Fletcher, 34, is supporting National Birth Trauma Awareness Day, which marks its second anniversary today.

It was launched by the Birth Trauma Association, a voluntary organisation that offers support to women who have had traumatic birth experiences.

The campaign is also backed by North-East law firm, Irwin Mitchell Solicitors.

Jennifer Cawthorne, a specialist clinical negligence lawyer, said not enough people are aware of the impact that birth trauma has on families.

Trauma during birth can cause injuries or, in rare cases, the death of both mother and baby.

Mothers can suffer from severe tears or haemorrhaging and can sometimes be left incontinent.

Ms Cawthorne said: “People need to be more aware about what is available to them.

“Help is certainly out there, but unless you know where to look, accessing it can be incredibly difficult.”

Mrs Fletcher said she had to “fight really hard” to get the help her family needed.

Her home has been adapted to make looking after Charlie easier and she now has help from Durham Social Services for five hours a day.

“We are lucky that our lawyers helped us get the support we need from social services,”

said Mrs Fletcher.

Irwin Mitchell is also investigating a claim for damages by Mrs Fletcher.

A spokeswoman from County Durham and Darlington Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said they did not want to comment on Mrs Fletcher’s case for legal reasons.