Mothers who suffer birth injuries are being encouraged to make ACC claims

Figures show that 15-thousand-541 claims have been lodged for birth injuries in the past two years, since ACC expanded coverage for them in 2022.

That's a far cry from the 56-thousand that were expected to be filed.

Birth Trauma Aotearoa founder Kate Hicks says part of the gap is probably because women have been taught to put up with birth injuries.

She says ACC covers a wide range of services under the scheme, including medical treatment, but also counselling, home help, and childcare if needed.