Western Health has launched a new clinic to expand support for mothers experiencing birth trauma.
The Obstetric AnoRectal Studies (OARS) will provide multidisciplinary care and access to diagnostic equipment to mothers who have experienced perineal birthing injuries.
The OARS clinic is led by Western Health urogynaecologist Dr Oliver Daly.
“I’m incredibly excited about the OARS clinic,” Dr Daly said.
“Major tears and other injuries to the perineal area can be devastating for women. Almost two-thirds of women don’t seek medical care, often because they’re too embarrassed, or because of the complication and expense of seeing multiple clinicians who sometimes give quite different advice.
“With the OARS clinic, Western Health now offers world-class, multidisciplinary support to women in Melbourne’s west, and we can certainly expect to see improvements in patient-reported physical health and psychological wellbeing, as well as a much more positive overall experience as mothers.”
Perineal birthing injuries are typically associated with vaginal births, with greater risks in assisted births or situations of prolonged labour.
These injuries can have lifelong physical and emotional impacts such as incontinence, sexual dysfunction and psychological issues.
They often require diagnosis, treatment and support by a range of healthcare professionals including medical, nursing, midwifery and physiotherapy.
Seeking treatment can be costly and time-consuming.
The OARS clinic, based at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s in the Sunshine Hospital precinct.
Women in Melbourne’s west can access the clinic via referral from their health service or GP.
