The ACT Branch of AAIMH in partnership with the Australian College of Midwives is proud to host the following event:

Australian Women's Birth Experiences 


A presentation of the PhD research by Lucy Franklin PhD Candidate., M.Psych (Clinical)., B.Psych (Hons).

Location:  Apollo Room, Hellenic Club Woden
                  1 Matilda St, Phillip ACT 2606
Date:         Thursday 21st September 2023
Time:         5:30pm arrival for 6pm start (ACT local time)

Registration Fees:  
(2 course dinner included)
AAIMH/ACM Members
   - Early Bird $85 + ticket fee
   - Full Registration $95 + ticket fee

Non-members
   - Early Bird $110 + ticket fee
   - Full Registration $120 + ticket fee

Early Bird ticket sales close 1st September 2023.
FINAL TICKET SALES CLOSE 13th September 2023.

Click HERE to register
Click HERE to join AAIMH

About the Seminar
Lucy’s PhD presentation will cover four key research components:

  1. Investigating the association between birth-related posttraumatic stress disorder and the mother-infant relationship.
  2. Identifying individual characteristics as predictors of birth-related trauma.
  3. Conducting a small randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention in reducing or preventing birth-related trauma.
  4. Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women.


Lucy's PhD research encompassed a comprehensive investigation into women's birth experiences in Australia, examining the association between birth-related PTSD and the mother-infant relationship, identifying potential risk factors for birth trauma, and evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention in reducing birth trauma.

Lucy's research aimed to reveal how traumatic birth experiences may impact the bond between mothers and their infants, highlighting importance of respectful women-centred maternity care and the need for inclusion of postnatal screening of trauma symptoms. Her research also aimed to capture data to further inform how birth trauma may be reduced or prevented.

Finally, her research spanned across parts of the pandemic which enabled her to capture important data on the impact of COVID-19 mitigation efforts on pregnant women and antenatal depression. By contributing to the existing body of research around women’s birth experiences, Lucy hopes this will help lead to better birth outcomes for women and infants in Australia.

There will be time for Q&A following Lucy’s presentation.

For enquiries about the event and to advise of specific dietary requirements please email: info-act@aaimh.org.au
Download printable flyer here.