Trauma Informed Care for Birth and Postpartum Professionals

We offer several training opportunities that provide guidance and tools to perinatal professionals on how to better serve survivor clients through their pregnancy and postpartum. Each option explores the various types of trauma that can impact perinatal mental health including; intimate partner violence, sexual trauma, race-based trauma, birth trauma, and overall enhance your ability to serve birthing persons experiencing current or past abuse.

·       Understand the need & meaning of trauma-informed care

·       Explore Polyvagal Theory and the role a support person can play in trauma recovery

·       Understand the dynamics of intimate partner violence and sexual assault

·       Understand the unique challenges trauma survivors might face during birth and postpartum

·       Understand the unique challenges survivors of color face

·       Explore ways to integrate inclusive and gender affirming language and best practices

·       Understand the dynamics of the stress response & how to help survivors feel grounded

·       Become familiar with the types of support, resources & treatments available to survivors

·       Overall enhance support services to pregnant/postpartum persons experiencing current or past abuse or trauma

With this information, our hope is to improve outcomes by creating change within the systems and structures that negatively impact families. The catalyst for this change is YOU- informed professionals doing the work required for personal growth, as well as, advocating for change in your larger communities.

We are baaaaack!

Check the Calendar for our upcoming trainings!

We offer two online training opportunities:

1. Real time, online version of our typical in-person introductory training

2. Self-paced, comprehensive online course

1. Real time training via Zoom

This interactive training provides guidance and tools to perinatal professionals on how to better serve survivor clients through their pregnancy and postpartum. This training provides an introduction to the the various types of trauma that can impact perinatal mental health.

2. Self-paced, comprehensive online course

This course is a more thorough version of our introductory training. Course materials can be accessed via Teachable where you can watch pre-recorded modules. This course includes downloadable handouts, access to a virtual learning pod with other participants, and the option to attend a live Q&A with Courtney and Alexis. Upon purchase you have access to the course materials for three months. This course will cover:

Module 1: Trauma 101

An introduction to trauma, including the need and meaning of trauma-informed care, trauma symptoms, and the types of trauma that can surface or manifest in the perinatal period. An overview of theories and frameworks that provide a better understanding around the ways in which trauma impacts the brain and body, and consideration around the ways in which standards of practice, procedures and cultural norms have created an ethos of tolerance and increased harm for birthing people. 

Module 2: Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Assault

A deep dive into intimate partner violence and sexual assault and the impact these experiences can have on birthing person and baby. Explores the types of abuse, the ways in which a power imbalance can impact relationships, barriers survivors might face in pregnancy, as well as the dangers that exist when ending an abusive relationship. This module also identifies multicultural considerations, and the unique impact marginalized groups might face.

Module 3: Race-Based Trauma

A focused conversation around racial disparities in birth and postpartum and the ways in which systemic racism and chronic stress can impact birthing person and baby. Explores the historical context around the use and abuse of black bodies, including slavery, medical experimentation and forced sterilization and reviews the ways in which implicit bias and the current social climate have contributed to negative outcomes for black birthing people. Provides action steps for birth and postpartum professionals to consider in order to improve relationships and change outcomes.

Module 4: Perinatal Care in the LBGTQIA+ Community

Explores the heteronormative + cisnormative components of the perinatal period and defines key language and terms within the LGBTQIA+ community. Explores barriers to healthcare and ways to integrate inclusive and gender affirming language and best practices. 

Module 5: Trauma Echos in Birth & PP

A deeper dive into the ways trauma can impact birth and postpartum. Explores triggers and the hierarchy of defense the body utilizes for safety, including the consequences of the stress response and the ways attachment and trust can be disrupted. Defines informed consent and explores assessment considerations, including ways to improve the intake process for survivors.

Module 6: Supportive Responses and Grounding

Offers tangible solutions and techniques to improve response and connection when disclosure with clients occurs. Explains empathy, active listening, and safety planning, and explores grounding techniques and evidence-based treatments that can increase positive outcomes for survivors navigating birth and postpartum.

Module 7: Secondary Trauma & Self-Care

Identifies the ways vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and burnout can surface for perinatal professionals and how self-compassion and incremental self-care can prevent harmful praticies and improve systems and culture related to perinatal health and wellness.

This course is 100% online, self-paced, and upon purchase you have access to the course materials for three months.