MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE

Finding the support for you and your family after suffering a birth injury

Author Trevor Ward Partner Solicitor, Head of Birth Injury Unit

Last Updated 9th July 2026

For Every Birth. For Every Baby. For Every Family.

Coping with the aftermath of a birth injury can be emotionally and physically challenging, but fortunately, there is help out there. In this guide, we’ll explore the support available for families who have suffered a birth injury, including the role of support groups and the part they can play in recovery.

Understanding birth injuries

A birth injury refers to any physical harm that occurs to a newborn or mother before, during or immediately after the birthing process. Birth injuries can be caused by several factors such as medical negligence, difficult deliveries, or unforeseen complications.

These injuries can range from mild to severe, and may include conditions such as:

Cerebral palsy

Erb’s palsy

Brachial plexus injuries

Hydrocephalus

Birth injuries to the mother

Kernicterus

Brain injury at birth

Neonatal death

Postnatal PTSD

Stillbirth

Wrongful birth

Group B strep

Support beyond our legal team

Families often come to Fletchers Solicitors after feeling unheard; as well as legal support, they need compassion, clarity and emotional support. Many families find strength, reassurance and practical help through charities and organisations dedicated to supporting parents, babies and children. Here are some trusted organisations you may wish to reach out to:

Emotional and bereavement support

Organisation	Description	Link
Sands	Support for anyone affected by the death of a baby	www.sands.org.uk
Cruse Bereavement Support	Grief counselling and bereavement help	www.cruse.org.uk
Child Bereavement UK	Support for families when a child dies or is grieving	www.childbereavementuk.org
Petals	Specialised counselling for baby loss	www.petalscharity.org
Tommy’s	Support throughout pregnancy, from planning to birth and beyond. They also offer compassionate resources and a community for those affected by miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal loss.	http://www.tommys.org/
Daddys with Angels	Support for bereaved dads	www.daddyswithangels.org
StrongMen	UK Men’s Bereavement Charity	https://www.strongmen.org.uk/
Grief Encounter	Supporting bereaved children and young people	https://www.griefencounter.org.uk
Love Jasmine	Supporting bereaved families following the loss of a child	https://www.lovejasmine.org.uk/
Lily Mae Foundation	Support following stillbirth or neonatal loss	www.lilymaefoundation.org

Birth trauma & mental health support

Organisation	Description	Link
Birth Trauma Association	For those affected by traumatic birth experiences	www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk
Make Birth Better	Supports people experiencing birth trauma through peer support, campaigning, and education	www.makebirthbetter.org
MASIC Foundation	Supports women who have experienced severe perineal trauma during childbirth	www.masic.org.uk
Mind	National mental health charity offering advice and support	www.mind.org.uk
Maternal Mental Health Alliance	Mental health support for families before, during and after pregnancy	https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/

Support for premature babies & children with complex needs

Organisation	Description	Link
Bliss	For families of premature or sick babies	www.bliss.org.uk
The Children’s Trust	Specialises in rehabilitation for children with brain injuries	www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk
The Erb’s Palsy Group	A charity that offers support for families living with Erb’s Palsy	https://www.erbspalsygroup.co.uk/
Peeps HIE	Support for families affected by Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)	www.peeps-hie.org

Other specialist organisations worth exploring

Organisation	Description	Link
Birthrights	The leading UK authority on the rights of women and birthing people during pregnancy and birth	www.birthrights.org.uk
AIMS	An organisation aiming to improve maternity services	https://www.aims.org.uk/
The Patients Association	A charity supporting patients	https://www.patients-association.org.uk/
MRSA Action UK	A charity that supports people affected by hospital associated infections	http://www.mrsaactionuk.net/

Our birth injury network

Alongside our legal expertise, an important part of our approach is connecting families with our trusted support network of charities and organisations. These include:

CBIT – provides support, information and learning opportunities for families and professionals affected by childhood acquired brain injury.

Cerebra – supports children with brain conditions and their families.

Sepsis Trust – provides vital support to people affected by sepsis.

Rainbow Hub – a charity providing therapeutic services for children and young people with physical disabilities as a result of a neurological condition or child brain injury.

Stick ‘n’ Step – works with children and young people with cerebral palsy, and their families, from across Northwest England and North Wales.

AvMA – a charity which represents and stands up for people affected medical accident/negligence.

We’re proud to work alongside these organisations to help families find the support they need – not just legally, but emotionally and practically too.

Reasons to connect with an organised group

One valuable resource for families dealing with the aftermath of a birth injury are support groups. These groups consist of individuals who have experienced similar challenges, and can provide emotional support, guidance, and a sense of community during a challenging time. Below are some key benefits of joining a birth injury support group:

Emotional Support: Support groups offer a safe space where parents can share their feelings, fears, and frustrations with others who understand their experiences.

Information Sharing: Birth injury support groups often provide valuable information about medical treatments, therapies, and legal resources. Members can exchange information and advice based on their own experiences.

Advocacy and Awareness: Many support groups also engage in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about birth injuries and promote changes in healthcare practices to prevent future occurrences.

These groups focus on addressing the unique challenges parents and caregivers face when caring for a child or mother with a birth injury.

Finding birth injury support

To find birth injury support groups, consider the following steps:

Medical Professionals: Consult with your child’s healthcare providers, such as paediatricians or therapists, who may have information on local support groups or online communities.

Online Resources: Search online for birth injury support groups and consider joining online forums and social media groups dedicated to birth injury support.

Nonprofit Organisations: Many non-profit organisations, such as the Birth Trauma Association, offer resources and information about support groups.

Facing the future together

Dealing with the aftermath of a birth injury can be challenging, but families don’t have to face it alone. Birth injury support groups play a vital role in providing emotional support, information, and a sense of community to those in need. By connecting with others who have experienced similar struggles, families can find strength, resilience, and hope on their journey toward healing and recovery.

Experiencing a birth injury can be life-changing – if you believe negligence played a part in yours or your child’s injury, our team is here to listen, support, and help you find the answers you deserve. Get in touch.