Better Births for Women Collaborative
Our goal
To reduce the rate of severe perineal tears during childbirth
In Victoria, women having their first birth vaginally are four times more likely to experience a severe third- or fourth-degree tear compared to those having a subsequent birth vaginally. This can have devastating long-term impact on physical and psychological wellbeing.
Many of these tears are avoidable.
We partnered with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), health services and consumer representatives to improve outcomes for all women giving birth in Victoria.
Drawing on work undertaken by Women’s Healthcare Australasia, we tested an evidence-based care bundle to reduce the rate of third- and fourth-degree perineal tears.
Our progress...
Completed May 2021
Progress and achievements
155
women were prevented from having a severe perineal tear
45%
decrease in the rate of severe tearing
Project updates
Better Births for Women Collaborative
Delivering better births for 155 women
While interrupted by the pandemic, bushfires and cyber-attacks, our major partnership with a committed group of maternity services has reduced severe perineal tearing during birth by 45 per cent.
5 September 2021
Resources
Perinatal services performance indicators 2019-20
This report provides benchmarking data on a range of clinical indicators, including the rate of 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears.
Featured resource
Perineal Protection Bundle – How to guide
The guide describes the five components that form the WHA CEC Perineal Protection Bundle. When implemented together, these changes can reduce third- and fourth-degree perineal tears.
Perinatal services performance indicators 2019-20
This report provides benchmarking data on a range of clinical indicators, including the rate of 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears.
Our stories
Patients profile
Speaking up for better birth trauma outcomes
Leanne Murphy’s powerful story of birth trauma and recovery has influenced hundreds of maternity staff and students across Victoria.
Partner organisation
Australasian Birth Trauma Association
Who we worked with
Filter by
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Ballarat Health Services
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Northern Health
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Barwon Health
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St John of God Bendigo Hospital
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Bass Coast Regional Health
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St Vincent's Private Hospital
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Central Gippsland Health Service
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South West Healthcare Group
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Djerriwarrh Health Services
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Western District Health Service
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East Grampians Health Service
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Western Health
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Kilmore and District Hospital
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Wimmera Health Care Group
Do you have a question about this project? Get in touch with the project team.
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Last updated 15 August 2022