Birth Trauma Consultation
A space for individuals and/or couples hoping to process their birth or perinatal experience and get connected to support & resources in their area.
Professional Consultation
I provide consultation to professionals who are interested in learning more about perinatal trauma and/or the support communities I’ve built.
Speaking Engagements
I utilize my unique perspective as an Amnitoic Fluid Embolism survivor combined with my experience as a licensed therapist to bring dynamic presentations on a variety of topics. Use the link below to learn more and contact me.
If you are in PA or FL and interested in therapy, please visit our therapy practice website.
What Is Birth Trauma?
1 in 3 individuals report their birthing experience as traumatic.
Birth trauma is a distressing event or events related to the birth of your baby. These events can occur before, during, or after the actual birth, which is why it’s better described at perinatal trauma. Birth Trauma often leaves those affected with debilitating symptoms, thoughts, and emotions, making it difficult to function.
What causes birth trauma?
There are many different factors that can lead to a traumatic birthing experience. Some traumas are related to the care received and treatment provided, while others are related to the death, near-death, or health of you and/or your baby. Anything distressing that occurs related to TTC, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum can lead to trauma.
What are symptoms of birth trauma?
Symptoms of birth trauma typically include distressing feelings (grief, terror, anger) towards pregnancy, birth, or postpartum. You may find yourself trying to avoid thoughts of your pregnancy/birth or anything that reminds you of it. These feelings can be overwhelming and affect your ability to function. Nightmares and flashbacks are also common symptoms but are not required for your birth to be considered traumatic.
What if I feel like I don't have the right to call it trauma?
There is no hierarchy in trauma. Trauma is trauma and your birth trauma is valid. It doesn’t matter how much worse it could have been, it was bad enough to traumatize you.
What if I have negative feelings towards my baby's birth?
This is very common following a traumatic birth. You can hate the day your baby was born and still love your baby. The two feelings are not connected. This is what makes birth trauma uniquely awful. The trauma happens on a day that was supposed to be one of the best days of your life.
Why don't I feel connected to my baby?
Birth trauma can often disrupt the bond between you and your baby. This is unfortunately, common after birth trauma. You are not a bad parent and you will eventually bond, sometimes it just takes a bit longer after trauma.
Will it get better?
Yes, although it may feel impossible right now, with proper support and treatment you will begin to heal. That treatment looks different for everyone, but often includes support communities, therapy, and/or medication.
About me.
Thank you so much for stopping by my page!
I’m a licensed therapist, mom, and birth trauma survivor located in Southeastern PA. I suffered an Amniotic Fluid Embolism during the birth of my son Callahan in 2019, which almost took my life. Since then, I’ve used my skillset as a therapist and lived experiences as a birth trauma survivor to create a supportive community for others who have experienced trauma during the perinatal period. I create content and resources to help other birth trauma survivors navigate their healing. I hope you find connection and comfort in this space.