Trauma-informed Care and Birth and Postpartum Plan Counseling for Survivors

Studies show time and time again that people who feel empowered during their pregnancy and birth experience, who are engaged as part of the decision-making team, report a greater sense of satisfaction about the birth, less postpartum depression, and a greater sense of self-esteem and confidence in their parenting abilities. Many people are fearful going into their birth, postpartum, or breastfeeding experience. This can be even more true for some survivors of childhood sexual trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and/or prior birth trauma. Even in the absence of fear, spending some time getting familiar with the internal sensations and external environmental factors that have the potential to activate a heightened stress response or trigger in labor, delivery, and the postpartum period can help anyone, including survivors of trauma, feel more prepared to have their best possible birth experience.

As a trauma-informed birth and postpartum plan counselor, my one-on-one consultations are designed to strategize realistic options to help individuals have a safe, empowering experience, whatever that looks like for them. These are not counseling sessions, therefore it is not necessary to relive painful details of the past, rather we will gently discuss commonly experienced triggering situations in labor, delivery, and postpartum; focus on those that feel particularly uncomfortable or stressful for the individual; and, work together to find practical alternatives that will both builds confidence and yields realistic tools moving forward. I am comfortable being an ear to listen if some details come up, but can and will, if requested, help a person find a qualified therapist who specializes in sexual and/or birth trauma when needed. The result of this session or sessions is a preferences list that can be easily shared with a birth or postpartum support team without disclosing specifics of one’s trauma history, helping them to have a better understanding of a person’s individual needs and expectations for care and consideration, and be a more effective advocate.

Sessions are generally booked in two-hour increments. Most preference lists can be completed in 1 or 2 sessions. Consultations can happen at any stage of pregnancy or pre-pregnancy or postpartum. Sessions are $75 each, though a sliding scale is available. Contact Teri to book a session.