A new advisory group has been created to address maternity care concerns in NSW. 

In a swift response to distressing testimonies heard during the New South Wales Birth Trauma Inquiry, the state government is taking action to enhance the birthing experience. 

An expert advisory group is set to be established to implement the state's maternity care plan.

This advisory group, composed of midwives, clinicians, and consumers, will work towards realising the goals outlined in the 52-page maternity care blueprint unveiled in March. 

The blueprint encompasses objectives like ensuring respectful, inclusive care and delivering comprehensive, timely, unbiased, and customised information regarding labour and birth outcomes.

Health Minister Ryan Park said a robust advisory group is needed to drive the plan's implementation, transforming it from a mere strategy into substantive reform.

The Birth Trauma Inquiry, currently conducting public hearings, has been deeply moving. 

The inquiry has exposed instances of women experiencing disrespectful and dehumanising treatment within the state's maternity system.

The advisory group's formation is not meant to preempt the inquiry's findings, as Health Minister Park clarified. Rather, it signifies the government's earnest commitment to addressing the concerns raised during the inquiry.

Mr Park has expressed his concern about the inadequate understanding of the grief experienced by women who have lost their children. 

Sharon Settecasse, Vice President of Better Births Illawarra, expressed support for the advisory group's announcement.

She stressed the importance of consumers' active involvement from the outset, calling for a balanced representation of obstetricians, midwives, researchers, and consumers in the group's composition.

More details are accessible here.