Resilient Birth

(Rerun) Dissociation Reframed with Morning Alexander

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:01:00 GMT

We are recording Season 3 of the Resilient Birth podcast. Meanwhile we have selected our favorite episodes for you. We hope you'll enjoy this rerun of Dissociation Reframed With Morning Alexander. In this episode Sarah and Justine's guest, Morning Alexander, a birth and postpartum doula and soon to be labor and delivery nurse, surprises us with a quote from Justine that she wrote on the Resilient Birth social media. She shares how Justine helped reframe dissociation for her, shifting the shame she her felt about experiencing dissociation during a traumatic birth experience.

Here are links to Justine's words about dissociation as a gift that helped her survive the unbearable and which starts our conversation today.

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/8kAecEYzfxjiki3p/?mibextid=WC7FNe

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CIga0x-ACQS/?igsh=MWhjYXdlcGRtcWE5ZA==

Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Morning Alexander has been supporting women in the perinatal period for over a decade and have been certified as a birth and postpartum doula for nearly 5 years. She has worked as a nurse tech in the Medical ICU for the past 4 years and is graduating this summer with my BSN and will be working as a labor and delivery nurse, with the ultimate goal of becoming a certified nurse midwife. Morning has a history of childhood trauma that was largely undealt with until after the births of her children. She had a very traumatic birth with her firstborn but it wasn’t until years later, as she was diving deeper into birth and trauma training that she came to understand her own experiences. Through her continuing education and years of therapy, she has found not only healing and wholeness but a deep passion for being trauma-informed as a provider and supporting other women in finding healing and empowerment in their births.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Navigating Intimacy After Parenthood

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 23:01:00 GMT

On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma across the perinatal period, from trying-to-conceive to pregnancy, from childbirth to postpartum and parenting. Through an inspirational quote that drives our weekly conversations about trauma and healing, Justine and Sarah explore topics such as birth trauma, parenting as a survivor, and finding healing with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence and is currently working towards a Masters in Counselling.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops

Keywords: intimacy, motherhood, postpartum relationships, postpartum sex, perimenopause, postpartum body image, emotional connection, parenting,

In this episode of the Resilient Birth Podcast, hosts Sarah Adelmann and Justine Leach explore the complexities of intimacy after becoming parents. They discuss the societal expectations surrounding postpartum sex at six weeks, physical touch on relationships, and the challenges of reclaiming one's body and identity after having a baby. The conversation also delves into the fears and trust issues that can arise in intimate relationships, particularly after childbirth, and the myths surrounding postpartum recovery. Thay also discuss the changes that come with aging and perimenopause, emphasizing the importance of creating space for emotional connection with self and other, as well as, understanding the evolving nature of desire.

Takeaways

Intimacy changes after becoming a parent.
Societal expectations can create pressure for postpartum intimacy too quickly.
Physical touch from children can make adult intimacy challenging.
Reclaiming one's body is a journey that takes time.
Non-sexual touch is crucial for emotional connection.
Motherhood often places a burden on intimacy.
Changing bodies can affect sex and confidence.
Perimenopause is a significant life transition that is often overlooked.
Desire for intimacy can fluctuate throughout life.

Sound Bites

"I didn't feel like my body was mine for so long."
"Those moments of not being touched feel precious."
"Intimacy is a dance that changes with time."
"Our bodies change, and so do our identities."
"Perimenopause is as intense as puberty."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Intimacy After Parenthood

02:57 Expectations vs. Reality of Postpartum Intimacy

05:59 The Impact of Touch on Relationships

09:04 Reclaiming Your Body and Identity

11:58 The Complexity of Sexual Intimacy

15:00 The Burden of Motherhood on Intimacy

18:04 Coping with Changing Bodies

21:02 Fear and Trust in Intimacy

23:58 The Myths of Postpartum Recovery

27:02 Understanding Perimenopause

29:58 The Journey of Aging and Intimacy

33:09 Cultural Perceptions of Aging Women

36:04 Creating Space for Closeness

38:59 Embracing Change in Desire

41:54 Conclusion and Reflections

Journey to Self: Sarah's Experience of Psilocybin

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 23:01:00 GMT

Keywords: psychedelics, mental health, therapy, self-discovery, anxiety, healing, research, consciousness, addiction, trauma, psilocybin

In this episode of the Resilient at Birth podcast, Sarah shares her personal experience of a journey with psilocybin in the State of Oregon, where it is legal. Sarah speaks from her personal experience and beliefs. Nothing Sarah or Justine says should be taken as medical advice. Additionally, Sarah and Justine encourage all listeners to follow the laws of their country. Sarah’s experience led her to profound self-discovery and healing from anxiety. The conversation explores Sarah’s experience and its impact on her mental health, the scientific research behind psychedelics, their therapeutic applications, and the cultural shifts surrounding their use. Sarah emphasizes the importance of guided experiences and the need for access to psychedelic therapy, while also addressing the fears and misinformation that often accompany discussions about these substances. In this conversation, Justine shares her concerns as someone who knows little about the topic and who lives in a country where these substances are illegal. They explore the importance of guided experiences, Sarah's understanding of the legal landscape in the U.S., and whether psychedelics can become an accepted form of healing. Sarah emphasizes the right of individuals to knowledge and her belief that people should have access these treatments for their mental health.

takeaways

Sarah speaks about how psychedelics can lead to profound self-discovery.
Psychedelics have shown promise in treating anxiety and depression.
Cultural perceptions of psychedelics are shifting positively.
Research indicates psychedelics can facilitate rapid healing from trauma and other mental health conditions.
Personal experiences with psychedelics can vary widely.
Sarah and Justine are not advocating listeners take psychedelics illegally.
Misinformation about psychedelics can create unnecessary fear.
Psychedelics are not addictive and have unique healing properties.
Cultural perceptions of psychedelics have been shaped by historical stigma.
Research supports the therapeutic use of psychedelics for mental health issues.
Guided experiences can help manage potential negative emotions during psychedelic journeys.
Legal status of psychedelics varies by state in the U.S. and is illegal in the UK
Education and awareness are crucial for changing public perception of psychedelics.
Psychedelics can be part of holistic healing practices in various cultures.
The conversation around psychedelics needs to be informed and open-minded.

Sound Bites

"I got to meet my true self."
"I was really nervous”
"I just knew I had made true healing with my anxiety."
"I don't want that weight. Like that's your work."
"Psychedelics are not addictive like other drugs."
"Our numbers of anxiety and depression are exploding."
"People should have access to this type of healing."

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Psychedelics and Mental Health

03:03 The Journey of Self-Discovery

05:56 The Therapeutic Experience

08:49 The Impact of Psychedelics on Anxiety

12:07 The Science Behind Psychedelics

15:01 Cultural Perspectives on Psychedelics

18:01 Navigating Fear and Misinformation

32:06 The Promise of Psilocybin: A New Perspective

34:50 Cultural Attitudes Towards Psychedelics

36:45 The Healing Potential of Psychedelics

39:05 Bad Trips and Emotional Processing

42:18 The Importance of Guided Experiences

45:18 Legal Landscape of Psychedelics in the U.S.

47:43 The Need for Informed Conversations on Psychedelics

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops

Holding Space for Trauma with Kristi Field

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In this episode Sarah and Justine talk with Kristi Field about how her work as a birth and postpartum doula is grounded in Polyvagal Theory and how trauma can be stored within the nervous system. Join us as we explore how this understanding of trauma impacts people's birthing and postpartum experiences and what it means to truly hold space throughout the whole perinatal journey.

Here is a link to the Postpartum Resource Guide Kristi mentions:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KZUNrZni1ntWZ3rriDOWewFljLlaGCgz/view?usp=sharing

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Kristi Field is a mom of two, certified birth and postpartum doula and a Registered Social Worker from the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada (the unceded traditional territory of the Syilx Okanagan people). She has worked with youth and families in the area of addiction, mental health and trauma counselling for the past ten years, and launched her own business as a doula after the birth of her second son. She became interested in the areas of trauma after losing her own brother at the age of 20, and experiencing first hand how trauma can impact the overall human experience and can be stored within the nervous system. As a doula, she is passionate about creating a space where families can feel empowered in creating the birth they envision while prioritizing mental wellness in all stages from pre-conception through to postpartum. She focuses on supporting all families, especially those who have experienced trauma or mental health concerns previously, and who are looking for a space where they can process and heal elements of their trauma experience.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Is Your Fence Too High?

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In this episode, the conversation centers around questions about when and whether to dismantle the fences and defences we may have built around our hearts. Justine begins the discussion with a focus on the vicarious trauma, but the weight of Arizona's highest courts ruling to reinstate a law from 1864 which will mean near total abortion ban in Arizona weighs heavily on Sarah's heart.

The quotes this week are from the book "Trauma Stewardship" by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky and "My Heart" by Corinna Luykin.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Vulnerability, Love and Loss with Anna Pfundstein

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:01:00 GMT

In this episode of the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann engage in a heartfelt conversation with Anna Pfundstein, a birth doula, about the profound themes of vulnerability and love in the context of motherhood, loss and birth. Anna shares her personal experience of being a doula, mother and someone who has lost four babies through miscarriage. She shares how she found strength and connection being vulnerable with loved ones, emphasizing that vulnerability is not just about seeking peace but also about embracing the complexities of life, including the pain and risk that can come with vulnerability. The discussion explores how vulnerability can lead to deeper connections and the beauty that can emerge from difficult experiences, ultimately highlighting the intersection of love and loss in the journey of parenthood.

Keywords: vulnerability, love, birth, grief, loss, miscarriage, motherhood, doula, personal stories, home birth transfer

Takeaways

Vulnerability is essential for deep connections.
Sharing experiences of loss can foster community and support.
We can allow ourselves to feel both joy and sorrow.
Vulnerability does not guarantee peace but is still worth pursuing.
Being open about one's journey can help others feel less alone.
The beauty of birth is intertwined with the risks of vulnerability.
Navigating personal loss requires time and self-compassion.
It's okay to not be ready to be vulnerable at all times.

Sound Bites

"To love at all is to be vulnerable."
"Vulnerability is a really scary thing."
"I think vulnerability is worth the risk."
"There's so much beauty in vulnerability."
"We were made to love, we were made to be loved."
"It's okay to say I'm not ready for that right now."
"Letting both things be true helps me a lot."

Chapters:

00:00 The Power of Vulnerability

12:54 Navigating Personal Loss and Grief

25:07 The Intersection of Love and Vulnerability

38:55 Finding Joy Amidst Pain

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops

Anna Pfundstein lives in Northern Illinois with her husband, Teddy, her son, Charlie, and she has a little girl on the way! Anna is a Birth Doula who is passionate about physiological birth and supporting families as they welcome their little ones. She loves being creative and granny hobbies; you can frequently find her crocheting or embroidering something and she loves to paint or draw when she gets some kid free time :)

Honoring Maila: A Mother's Story with Helena Morais

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:01:00 GMT

Keywords: grief, Black maternal health, pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, stillbirth

In this episode of the Resilient to Birth podcast, hosts Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann welcome Helena Morais, who shares her profound journey of loss after the stillbirth of her daughter, Maila. The conversation explores the sacredness of relationships that transcend death, the challenges of navigating grief, and the importance of information and advocacy in maternal health, particularly for Black women. Helena emphasizes the need for awareness around pregnancy risks, particularly for marginalized communities, and the significance of honoring lost children. The episode concludes with reflections on the loneliness of grief and the importance of community support.

Helena Morais a mother of two: one earth side and one ether side baby. Her firstborn baby girl Maila Angela Viana Morais was stillborn at 36 weeks and 5 days on the 29th December 2022. Giving birth and becoming a first time mum with no baby to bring home changes you in indescribable ways. The only way she has found to survive with this grief, pain, rage and longing has been to talk. She survives by unapologetically continuing to share her story and finding alternative ways of continuing to parent her child. She would have had to dedicate her life to caring for her daughter had she been born alive, to Helena this does not change just because she is gone. She will be dedicating the rest of her life to continuing her legacy. In turn she hopes to encourage and hold space with other mothers choosing to do the same.

Takeaways

The relationship with those who have passed remains sacred.
Awareness of pregnancy risks is crucial for all parents.
Advocating for oneself in healthcare is essential.
Honoring lost children is a vital part of the healing process.
The experience of loss can feel incredibly isolating.
Information about maternal health should be accessible to all.
Cultural disparities in maternal health must be addressed.

Sound Bites

"The relationship does not end."
"Grief is an awful, painful thing."
"I didn't want to be a statistic."
"I'd rather be scared and safe than sorry."
"You know your body better than anyone else."
"Grief is a very lonely experience."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:05 The Sacredness of Relationships Beyond Death

05:31 Helena's Journey: The Loss of Myla

11:42 The Birth Experience and Its Challenges

18:55 Honoring Myla: The Importance of Connection

24:32 The Need for Information and Awareness

32:51 Advocating for Yourself in Maternal Health

39:18 Conclusion: The Loneliness of Grief

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

When "Fit To Practice" Feels Unsafe

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 05:01:00 GMT

In this episode of the Resilient Birth Podcast, Justine and Sarah delve into the complex issues surrounding patient safety, particularly in the context of a gynecologist who has faced serious allegations of misconduct and admitted to 24 allegations of harm. Nonetheless, a tribunal has recently decided that he is “fit to practice.” They discuss the implications of these allegations on trust in healthcare, the importance of psychological safety for patients, and question of who gets to decide what safety looks like and what safeguarding measures might be important. The conversation highlights the voices of victims, the disconnect between healthcare providers and patients, and the broader systemic issues that contribute to ongoing harm in medical settings.

Quotes are from these news resources:

https://www.itv.com/news/channel/2025-02-14/doctor-who-removed-ovaries-without-consent-ruled-fit-to-practise

https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2025-02-18/women-under-care-of-ovary-removal-surgeon-demand-change-of-doctor

After recording Sarah remembered the podcast she refers to in the episode about another doctor who had harmed patients called "Exposed: Cover-Up at Columbia University"

Keywords: patient safety, healthcare trust, medical ethics, gynecological care, psychological safety, medical misconduct, patient rights, healthcare system, trauma, women's health

Takeaways:

Patient safety encompasses both physical and psychological aspects.
Allegations against healthcare providers can severely impact patient trust.
The tribunal process may not adequately address victim concerns.
Psychological safety is crucial in medical settings, especially for vulnerable patients.
The voices of victims should be central in discussions about healthcare safety and safeguarding.
There is often a disconnect between healthcare providers and the experiences of patients.
Doctors can and do cause harm, despite their oath to do no harm.
The system often prioritizes the protection of healthcare providers over patient safety.
Women often bear the burden of navigating unsafe medical environments.
The need for systemic change in how allegations against doctors are handled.

Sound Bites

"You don't harm people's bodies."
"Where's the safety in that?"
"The power and the bravery of the women who spoke up."
"We're focusing on the wrong thing."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Patient Safety Concerns

05:44 The Impact of Allegations on Trust in Healthcare

10:07 Psychological Safety in Medical Practice

15:10 The Role of Tribunals and Safeguards

20:57 The Voices of Victims and Their Experiences

25:59 The Dichotomy of Harm in Healthcare

30:20 The Disconnect Between Patients and Healthcare Providers

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops

When Birth Trauma Goes Unacknowledged

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 01:00:00 GMT

On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma in the perinatal period. Through an inspirational quote that drives the weekly content, Justine and Sarah explore various trauma areas with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals. Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

In this episode we talk about what happens when birth trauma is or is not acknowledged by others. Both Sarah and Justine share personally about the impact of birth trauma upon themselves and how providers' actions and words activated previous trauma they experienced.

If you would like to read the article this week's quote came from, here is the citation: Theresa Morris, Joan H Robinson, Keridwyn Spiller, & Amanda Gomez, (2023) “Screaming, ‘No! No!’ It was Literally Like Being Raped”: Connecting Sexual Assault Trauma and Coerced Obstetric Procedures, Social Problems, 70:1, 55–70. https://doi.org/10.1093/socpro/spab024

Stars in the Darkness: A Birth Story with Ashley Herrera

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 04:01:00 GMT

Keywords: childbirth, prenatal yoga, birth story, pregnancy complications, birth stories, parenting, postpartum, holistic health, labor support, postpartum experience, midwifery care, birth trauma, motherhood

In this episode of the Resilient Birth podcast, hosts Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann welcome Ashley Herrera, a certified yoga teacher specializing in prenatal and postnatal yoga. The conversation explores the complexities of childbirth, acknowledging that while the physiological process can be simple, it is not always so; moreover, the emotional and mental aspects are often not easy either. They discuss the duality of birth experiences, the impact of complications during pregnancy, and the importance of support systems. Ashley shares her personal journey through IVF and birth trauma, and the challenges she faced during her pregnancies, highlighting the need for empowerment and advocacy in the birthing process. In this conversation, Ashley Herrera shares her profound birth story, highlighting the critical role of support during labor and postpartum when her daughter was diagnosed with an issue with her heart necessitating a change of birth plan. She discusses the challenges faced in switching from a birth center to hospital environment, the importance of having a supportive team, and how these experiences shaped her transition into motherhood. The conversation also delves into the emotional and physical aspects of labor, the significance of connection to baby, and the lasting impact of trauma.

Takeaways:

Childbirth is a simple physiological process but can be physically and emotionally complex.
Support systems are crucial during pregnancy and childbirth.
It's important to honor both the simplicity and the challenges of birth.
The connection between parent and child can remain unwavering despite complications.
Finding moments of joy can help navigate fear and uncertainty.
Empowerment comes from reclaiming choices during the birthing process.
Emotional preparation is as important as physical preparation for childbirth.
Every birth story is unique and valid, regardless of complications.
The journey of parenthood involves continuous self-growth and learning.
It's okay to feel a range of emotions during the birthing experience.
Asking for what you need in labor is essential.
The hospital environment can feel alien and restrictive.
Practicing through movement and sound can help prepare for labor.
Postpartum experiences can be affected by birth trauma.
Midwifery care provided comfort and reassurance after birth.
Advocating for your needs is important for both mother and baby.

Sound Bites

"The body knows how to birth."
"One moment can thieve your hope."
"It's okay to feel all the feelings."
"We flipped the narrative on it."
"We got our power back."
"I had to ask for everything"
"I could conquer the world"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Resilient Birth Podcast

00:58 The Complexity of Childbirth

04:11 The Duality of Birth Experiences

06:53 Navigating Complications in Pregnancy

13:58 Finding Beauty Amidst Fear

16:57 Empowerment Through Support

24:07 The Journey of Induction and Advocacy

25:11 Navigating Labor: The Role of Support

28:06 The Birth Experience: Challenges and Triumphs

32:17 The Power of Support in Birth

37:01 Creating Connection in Prenatal Classes

42:04 Postpartum Journey: Trauma and Healing

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops

Ashley Herrera is a certified yoga teacher, specializing in prenatal and postnatal yoga, a mother of two, and a passionate advocate for empowering parents on their unique pregnancy and birth journeys. Inspired by her own transformative experiences, Ashley dove deeper into her work to support expectant parents through both in-person offerings in Calgary, AB, Canada, and online programs like the Confident Labor Prep Program and From Bump to Birth prenatal yoga series. Currently training as a Birthing from Within childbirth educator and doula, Ashley will also complete the Spinning Babies® Certified Parent Educator Training this Spring, further enhancing her ability to guide parents toward confident, connected births.

Being a Curious Witness

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 23:01:00 GMT

In this episode Sarah shares a quote from rap artist NF and we talk about the importance of partners being emotionally present during birth. The conversation also take us to an exploration of the grief we may feel for older child when expecting another baby.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

(Rerun) Babies are the Royalty of Humanity with Kate White

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 05:01:00 GMT

We are recording Season 3 of the Resilient Birth podcast. Meanwhile we have selected our favorite episodes for you. In this episode, we are joined by Kate White, who talks intimately about integrating implicit memories and her experience supporting mothers and babies through trauma-informed somatic healing approaches. She starts our conversation, which explores what healing from perinatal trauma can look like when we take into account the baby's experience of birth and what is happening in the relationship between parent and infant, by quoting her mentors John and Anna Chitty.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Kate White is an award-winning educator and an advanced bodyworker. She is trained in somatic therapies, prenatal and perinatal somatic health, lactation, brain development, infant mental health, and has specialized in parent-baby dyad care using somatic prevention and trauma healing approaches for nearly 25 years. She is a mother of two children, holds a BA and MA in Communication, is a Registered Craniosacral Therapist in the Biodynamic Craniosacral method and a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner. Her work combines somatic trauma healing, energetic therapies, bodywork, pediatric therapies and education about the nervous system to help give families with babies and small children the best possible start. She is Founding Director of Education for the Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health where from 2013 – 2019 she created and ran the Prenatal and Perinatal Educator Certificate program, a large online educational program for professionals. She went on to found Prenatal and Perinatal Healing Online and the Prenatal and Perinatal Somatics Institute. She teaches classes online and in person, and offers a professional training called Integrated Prenatal and Perinatal Dynamics. She has a private practice in Charlottesville, VA called Belvedere Integrated Healing Arts (belvederearts.com) and offers her own seminars through the Center for Prenatal and Perinatal Programs, ppncenter.com

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Moral Injury and Consequences of Maternity Care Advocacy for Nurses with Melissa Anne Dubois

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:01:00 GMT

We are hosting a FREE training on Trauma and the Perinatal Journey on Dec 2 at 9am EST live on Zoom. The training will be recorded so he hope you will still sign up even if the time does not work for you: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/pl/2148550678

Keywords: obstetric violence, labor and delivery nurse, healthcare, moral injury, patient advocacy, maternity care, trauma-informed care, healthcare hierarchy, nursing ethics, healthcare ethics, obstetric care, mistreatment, nursing advocacy.

In this episode of the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah welcome Melissa Anne Dubois, an experienced perinatal nurse and childbirth educator. The conversation explores the themes of leadership in nursing, the importance of advocacy for patients, and the challenges faced by nurses in a hierarchical healthcare system. Melissa shares her insights on obstetric violence, moral injury, and the emotional toll of advocating for patient-centered care in a system that causes significant challenges for nurses who want to speak up on behalf of the patients and provide trauma-informed care. The discussion highlights the importance of supporting labor and delivery nurses in their roles as advocates for birthing people. In this conversation, Melissa Anne discusses the ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers and the importance of acknowledging obstetric violence and mistreatment in maternity care. She emphasizes the importance of being a leader among nurses and advocating for patients wants and desires, evidence based care, and trauma-informed care, while also acknowledging the very real professional consequences of doing so.

Takeaways

There is significant injustice in maternity care.
Advocating for patients can lead to professional consequences.
Nurses often feel powerless in the hierarchical system of obstetrics.
Moral injury affects nurses in maternity care as a result of obstetric violence.
Guilt and shame occur when nurses experience moral injury.
The term 'obstetric violence' has to be named for the problem to be understood.
The narrative of 'a few bad apples' hinders systemic change.
Acknowledging mistreatment is crucial for patient care.
Advocacy can lead to personal and professional consequences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Resilient Birth Podcast

08:49 Understanding Obstetric Violence

18:19 Moral Injury in Nursing

26:15 The Ethics of Healthcare Practice

32:32 Acknowledging Mistreatment in Healthcare

37:49 Navigating the Tension in Nursing Advocacy

46:50 Connecting to Community in Nursing

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Melissa Anne is an experienced perinatal nurse living in Central Massachusetts with her husband and three children. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Nursing in 2006 and has worked in a variety of perinatal settings since 2007 including: in-patient labor and delivery, high-risk obstetrics, outpatient OB-GYN, homebirth, and postpartum home health. Melissa Anne became a childbirth educator in 2011 and a lactation counselor in 2014. She currently teaches childbirth classes for babiesincommon.com while she pursues her PhD in nursing. Her research interests include obstetric violence and moral injury in perinatal nurses and she plans to work as a nurse researcher and professor after defending her dissertation.

A useful article of Moral Injury in Maternity Care Providers: Kendall-Tackett K and Beck CT (2022) Secondary Traumatic Stress and Moral Injury in Maternity Care Providers: A Narrative and Exploratory Review. Front. Glob. Womens Health 3:835811. doi: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.835811

Here are some of the resources Melissa Mentions during the episode

Mandy Irby: https://mandyirby.com/

Birth Monopoly: https://birthmonopoly.com/

Evidence Based Birth: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/

Breastfeeding After Birth Trauma with Erin Northrup

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:01:00 GMT

Keywords: birth trauma, breastfeeding, maternal health, postpartum care, lactation consultant, hospital policies, trauma recovery, maternal bonding, cesarean birth story, NICU birth story.

In this episode of the Resilient Birth Podcast, Justine and Sarah welcome Erin Northrup, an international board certified lactation consultant, to discuss the profound impact of birth trauma on breastfeeding and maternal mental health. Erin shares her personal experiences with birth trauma after a cesarean under general anesthesia and separation from her baby who was taken to the NICU, emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of childbirth. The reason for her cesarean turned out, on further investigation after the birth, to be based on a misdiagnosis, confirming the suspicion she highlights in the episode. The conversation explores the importance of recognizing and addressing the emotional needs of mothers during and after birth, as well as the long-term effects of trauma on families. Erin advocates for better support systems and policies that honor the maternal bond and emotional wellbeing of birthing individuals. This conversation delves into the profound impact of birth trauma on breastfeeding experiences, particularly focusing on the emotional and psychological challenges faced by mothers. The speakers discuss the importance of listening to mothers' voices, the interconnectedness of birth experiences and breastfeeding, and the need for advocacy in healthcare. Erin shares her research findings, highlighting the overwhelming response from participants and the emotional weight of their stories of breastfeeding after birth trauma. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of recognizing the complexities of maternal health and the importance of support systems for new parents.

Takeaways

The physical and emotional aspects of childbirth are inseparable.
Many women feel dismissed when expressing emotional distress post-birth.
Hospital policies can hinder maternal-infant bonding immediately after birth.
The experience of separation from the baby can be traumatic.
Maternal mental health is as important as physical health post-birth.
Trauma can ripple through families and affect future generations.
Trust in healthcare can be fractured by lack of listening.
Mothers are experts in their own experiences.
Birth trauma can echo in breastfeeding experiences.
Hospital policies can hinder maternal care and support.
Breastfeeding can serve as a reclamation of control.
Research reveals the depth of shared trauma among mothers.
Emotional pain from birth can resurface during breastfeeding.

Sound Bites

"I need to feed my baby..."
"I was absolutely panicked..."
"Why is nobody listening?"
"I was very determined to breastfeed."
"Everything is connected."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Birth Trauma and Support

02:57 The Interconnectedness of Birth Experiences

05:55 Personal Story of Birth Trauma

08:54 The Impact of Hospital Policies on Birth Experiences

12:04 The Emotional Aftermath of Birth Trauma

15:08 The Long-Term Effects of Birth Trauma

17:47 Finding Strength Through Adversity

21:01 The Importance of Maternal Bonding

23:54 Reflection on Healing

25:58 The Fracture of Trust in Healthcare

28:48 The Impact of Birth Trauma on Maternal Experience

32:58 Research Insights on Birth Trauma and Breastfeeding

38:56 Navigating Personal Trauma Through Research

44:00 The Interconnectedness of Experience and Healing

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Erin Northrup is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant dedicated to educating and
supporting families who wish to breastfeed after experiencing birth trauma. She has a BA in Psychology
and a Masters in Applied Health Services Research (MAHSR) from the University of New Brunswick
where she conducted a qualitative study on the lived experience of breastfeeding after birth trauma.
Erin’s own journey with birth trauma began in 2009, when she experienced a traumatic birth with the
birth of her first child. Since then, she has been a vocal advocate for maternal infant health and a
compassionate supporter of parents through pregnancy, breastfeeding, and beyond.

One of Erin's key goals is to educate perinatal professionals about the impacts of birth trauma and the
importance of respectful, ethical lactation care. She believes that by raising awareness and sharing
evidence-based information, we can enhance the quality of care for families who have faced these
challenges. A mother of five wonderful children and a long time La Leche League Leader, Erin is a firm
believer in the necessity of trauma-informed care throughout the perinatal period, from preconception
to weaning.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

The Warmth of Being: Introducing Max

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 04:01:00 GMT

This week Sarah introduces us to Max, who has brought so much joy and comfort to her life over the last few months. Using a quote from Dog Medicine by Julie Barton, Sarah brings insight into the healing power of animals, particularly dogs, who can offer such unconditional loving support and shares her own experience with Max, who came into her life a few months ago and nourishes her as a person and mother.Throughout the episode, Justine and Sarah explore the profound impact that pets, particularly dogs, have on emotional well-being and the importance of unconditional acceptance in relationships. They discuss how animals provide a safe space for expressing emotions, the challenges of navigating uncomfortable feelings, and the role of pets in parenting. Justine and Sarah discuss the challenges humans seem to face in offering the same kind of nonjudgmental acceptance and warmth that pets such as dogs can provide. We talk about how pregnant, birthing and postpartum individuals often feel that the people from whom they are seeking support and care, such as family members, partners, doulas, midwives, Obs, lactation consultants and other perinatal professionals, are often uncomfortable with uncomfortable conversations. It is understandable that, in our discomfort, we try to fix the problem rather than listen, but this means that parents and parents-to-be do not feel understood by us. Justine and Sarah talk about what we can learn from animals like dogs for whom it is so intuitive to meet people where they are and how we can show up for our clients who are navigating challenges in the journey to motherhood and parenting as a witness who walks into darkness alongside them. We end by exploring the power of 'just being', both of us grasping for words that take us beyond being the idea of 'being myself' to a more grounded concept of what it might mean to 'be with another.' The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care, the significance of being present with others, and the art of just being without the pressure to perform. Ultimately, they highlight the magic that can happen when individuals connect authentically with themselves and others, fostering a sense of community and support.

Keywords: unconditional acceptance, nonjudgmental support, perinatal providers, Dog Medicine, being, pets, emotional safety, unconditional love, parenting, self-care, vulnerability, presence, connection, mental health, animal therapy

Takeaways

Having a pet can provide emotional grounding and safety.
Unconditional acceptance is rare in human relationships.
Navigating uncomfortable emotions is a challenge for many.
Pets can play a crucial role in parenting and emotional support.
Nature can enhance self-care practices.
Being present with clients is essential for effective support.
Creating safe spaces for vulnerability is vital in therapeutic settings.
The art of just being can lead to deeper connections.
Animals can teach us about authentic presence and connection.
Finding authenticity in connection is key to emotional healing.

Sound Bites

"I needed a companion who had no judgment."
"That unconditional acceptance is so very freeing."
"Animals just know how to journey along with us."

Chapters

00:00 The Healing Power of Pets

02:52 Unconditional Acceptance and Emotional Safety

05:51 Navigating Uncomfortable Emotions

08:50 The Role of Animals in Parenting

12:09 Nature and Self-Care

15:05 The Importance of Being Present

18:12 Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability

20:54 The Art of Just Being

26:52 Finding Authenticity in Connection

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Supporting Others While Navigating Miscarriage and IVF with Marissa Hathaway

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In this episode, Justine and Sarah are joined by Marissa Hathaway, a certified birth and postpartum doula. They discuss the harmful impact of 'at least' statements and how they can be invalidating to individuals who have experienced trauma or infertility. Marissa shares her personal journey of going through IVF and the challenges she faced as a doula supporting families while navigating her own miscarriage and infertility journey. They also discuss the importance of recognizing and honoring each person's unique story and the need for more support and understanding in the perinatal field.

Keywords

birth, postpartum, doula, trauma, infertility, IVF, ‘at least’ statements, miscarriage reproductive health

Takeaways

The harmful impact of 'at least' statements and how they can be invalidating
The challenges faced by individuals who have experienced trauma or infertility while supporting others in the perinatal field
The importance of recognizing and honoring each person's unique story

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

03:30 The Harmful Impact of 'At Least' Statements

11:17 Supporting Others While Navigating Personal Trauma

15:01 Navigating Reproductive Health Challenges as a Doula

26:45 Recognizing and Honoring Each Person's Unique Story

34:56 Conclusion and Takeaways

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Marissa Hathaway is a full spectrum doula (certified in birth and postpartum), Childbirth Educator, and photographer. She came to doula through starting her career in global maternal health, human rights, and reproductive justice. She is dedicated to reducing maternal health inequities via intersectional collaboration and cultural humility. After studying Public Health & International Relations at Boston University, she attended the University of Haifa, in Israel, for her Masters in Public Health. Marissa has experience in rape crisis counseling, family planning/contraception counseling, and refugee health. Marissa’s approach to supporting families is centered around: embodied consent and informed decision-making; support for partners; and mental health and wellbeing

Client Driven Therapy and Brainspotting with Jana Glass

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 04:01:00 GMT

We welcome Jana Glass, a Licensed Professional Counselor certified in Brainspotting, Addictions, and Perinatal Mental health, to the podcast this week. In this conversation we explore what it means for therapy to be truly client led and how can therapists support parents who have experienced perinatal trauma to find and trust in their brain's own capacity to heal.

Summary

Jana begins our conversation by sharing a quote that embodies her approach to therapy, which focuses on empowering clients to heal and be present in the moment. She discusses the importance of centering the client as the expert in their own experience and using brainspotting to process trauma. Jana also addresses the challenges of working within systems and offers advice for clinicians on navigating boundaries and providing client-centered care. In this conversation, Jana emphasizes the importance of not making assumptions and allowing clients to lead their own healing journey. She shares a powerful example of a client who chose her as a therapist because she didn't assume the meaning of her pregnancy. Jana highlights the significance of creating a safe space for clients to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment. She discusses the power of asking questions and letting clients find their own answers, as well as the importance of therapists doing their own therapeutic work. Jana believes that healing is achievable for anyone and that therapists should support clients in finding their own path to healing.

Keywords: Jana Glass, brainspotting, perinatal mental health, trauma therapy, client-centered care, assumptions, client-led healing, safe space, asking questions, therapeutic work, healing journey

Takeaways

Clients are the experts on themselves and have everything they need inside of them to heal and be present in the moment.
Trauma therapy involves helping clients access and process unprocessed material in their subcortical brain, allowing them to integrate past experiences and feel more grounded in the present.
Clinicians can navigate the challenges of working within systems by maintaining a duality, following ethical guidelines while also prioritizing client-centered care.
Brainspotting is a powerful brain and body-based approach that uses fixed eye positions to access and process trauma.
The role of the therapist is to provide a safe and compassionate space for clients to explore their experiences and guide them in their healing journey. Don't make assumptions about what events mean to clients, especially in a professional setting.
Allow clients to lead their own healing journey and support them in finding their own answers.
Create a safe space for clients to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Therapists should do their own therapeutic work to be present, grounded, and attuned with their clients.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Jana Glass

02:35 Empowering Clients to Heal and Be Present

06:16 Recognizing Unmet Needs and Providing Support

11:25 Accessing and Processing Trauma with Brain Spotting

19:54 Navigating Boundaries and Providing Client-Centered Care

25:46 Working Within Systems and Prioritizing Client Needs

28:09 The Power of Not Making Assumptions

34:14 Creating a Safe Space for Authentic Expression

45:02 Therapists Doing Their Own Therapeutic Work

46:53 Healing is Achievable for Anyone

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Jana Glass is a Licensed Professional Counselor certified in Brainspotting, Addictions, Perinatal Mental health, and Telemental health. She works with a wide spectrum of clients and her special interests include healing trauma, supporting people with substance use challenges, and prioritizing perinatal mental health and trauma. Jana is in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia and individuals and Families find relief and feel better. She provides individual and group consultation as a certified brainspotting consultant and trainer. Jana educates professionals in a variety of topics including neurobiological approaches to trauma, Brainspotting Phase one and Phase two, Supporting Birthgivers with substance use during the perinatal period, and Connecting the rainbow: Healing perinatal trauma. Jana is passionate about helping to foster hope when faced with situations that appear hopeless.

Connect with Jana at www.supportivesolutionsga.com or facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SupportiveSolutionsGA, or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowconnector3?igsh=cmgzcWR0eG10bDIx&utm_source=qr, and professionals interested in Perinatal Mental Health and Trauma can join the Brainspotting and Perinatal Mental Health Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/1SLgKtfGfeyoDXwZ/?mibextid=K35XfP

How to Read Birth Plan

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 23 May 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

You're a Different Parent After You've Seen the Inside of a NICU with Mara Tesler Stein

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In this episode, Justine and Sarah are joined by Mara Tesler-Stein, a clinical psychologist and founder of the Touchstone Institute for Psychotherapy and Training. We talk about EMDR for the perinatal population, the impact on Mara's own perinatal journey as the parent of preemie twins on her professional career, and the experience of having a baby in the NICU.

Summary

Mara begins by sharing the Talmudic quote: “Someone who saves a single life is considered as if they have saved an entire world.” The conversation then delves into the topic of EMDR therapy and its benefits for the perinatal population. Mara explains that EMDR is a trauma-focused therapy that helps individuals process and integrate traumatic experiences. Mara shares her story including her perinatal journey of preterm labor, extended hospital stay and preemie twins. We explore what it is like for parents who have had to navigate life with a baby in the NICU and the emotional aftermath of that. The conversation explores the three core tasks that parents face in and after a perinatal crisis: developing parental identity for the baby, managing emotions, and managing relationships. Mara share that he loss of innocence and loss of peer group are significant challenges that parents face in the aftermath of a perinatal crisis, but also reassures that with window for attachment stretches well beyond the hour or hours after birth.

Keywords

EMDR therapy, perinatal mental health, birth trauma, NICU, early development, attachment, perinatal crisis, parental identity, healthcare providers,

Takeaways

EMDR therapy is a trauma-focused therapy that helps individuals process and integrate traumatic experiences.
Trauma in the perinatal period, including the trauma of a NICU experience, can have long-term impacts on individuals and their families.
Parents face three core tasks in and after a perinatal crisis: developing parental identity, managing emotions, and managing relationships.
Perinatal crises are transformative and can lead to a shift in identity and perspective for parents.
The loss of innocence and loss of peer group are significant challenges that parents face in the aftermath of a perinatal crisis.
Healthcare providers can understand their role as both the hosts of and guests within families in their care, making space for parents to fulfill their role as parents.

Sound Bites

"Someone who saves a single life is considered as if they have saved an entire world."
"The healing is already there. My job as the therapist is to help that internal healing mobilize."
"The brain's very efficient when it's not being blocked."
"Perinatal crises are transformative "
"Parents of preemies are different parents"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Quote

03:02 Understanding EMDR Therapy

06:01 The Power of Healing and Growth

10:06 The Impact of Trauma in the Perinatal Period

14:01 Navigating Medical Settings After NICU Trauma

15:40 Mara Shares Her Personal and Professional Story

24:56 The Three Core Tasks in a Perinatal Crisis

27:54 Challenges of Loss of Innocence and Peer Group

29:42 Navigating Relationships in a Perinatal Crisis

36:01 The Role of Healthcare Providers in Supporting Parents

40:03 The Importance of Acknowledging Parents' Input and Desires

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Mara Tesler Stein, Psy.D., PMH-C is a clinical psychologist and EMDR consultant and trainer in Chicago and Jerusalem. She is the founder and director of The Touchstone Institute for Perinatal
Training where she offers both foundational and advanced EMDR trainings which take deep
dives into the intersections and applications of EMDR and perinatal mental health.
Dr. Stein is a staunch advocate for trauma-focused care and is trained and certified in a range of
integrative trauma therapies. Dr. Stein is also certified in Emotion-Focused Family and Couple
Therapy, Brainspotting, is a Gottman Certified Therapist, and continues to deepen her training in
Clinical Hypnosis, Yoga-Informed treatment, Advanced applications of EMDR, and Ego-State
therapies.

She is the co-author (with Deborah Davis, Ph.D.) of Parenting Your Premature Baby and Child:
The Emotional Journey (Fulcrum, 2004) and Intensive Parenting: Surviving the Journey
Through the NICU (Fulcrum, 2013). She has also contributed book chapters in the areas of
perinatal loss, EMDR treatment, and trauma focused psychological care for NICU families.
Her trauma work is grounded in her personal perinatal journey, which began 28 years ago taking
her through infertility, twin pregnancy, prolonged hospital bedrest, the NICU, and years of
raising NICU graduates.

You can find her at www.touchstoneinstitute.org and at mara@touchstoneinstitute.org.

Rethinking Birth Plans: Communication and the Failure to Understand

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:01:00 GMT

Keywords: birth plans, informed consent, birth preferences, healthcare communication, obstetric care, birth experience, birth trauma, obstetrics, patient care, unconditional positive regard, healthcare relationships

In this conversation, Justine Leach, Ph.D. and Sarah Adelmann, L.M.H.C., discuss birth plans, emphasizing the need for a more holistic approach that incorporates the emotional and relational aspects of the birthing experience. Justine begins by sharing the findings of a recent article that asks whether the topics given to women on birth plan templates in Spain include what really matters to them. Justine and Sarah then critique the traditional focus on medical procedures and interventions, advocating for a shift towards understanding the feelings and emotional needs of birthing individuals. The discussion highlights the importance of informed consent, continuity of care, and the need for healthcare providers to foster a deeper connection with their patients to enhance the overall birthing experience. The conversation gets heated when Justine shares another article she read in preparation for the episode in which an obstetrician advocates for more flexibility from birth givers through creating birth preferences rather than birth plans. Justine and Sarah express their frustration with this obsterician's point of view and share their belief that his interpretation of the cause of challenging communication with patients and birth trauma is misplaced. The discussion highlights the significance of unconditional positive regard in healthcare and the necessity not only of creating better communication tools for birth givers to express their needs and concerns effectively, but also of providers understanding their role and responsibility in support birth givers in feeling seen, heard, and in control during birth.

Artieta-Pinedo, I., Paz-Pascual, C., Garcia-Alvarez, A. et al. Does the birth plan match what is relevant to women? Preferences of Spanish women when giving birth. BMC Women's Health 24, 42 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-023-02856-5

Mohan, R., Abdalla, M. A reflective practice on difficult communication: an obstetrician’s perspective on birth plan versus birth preferences. Discov Health Systems 3, 77 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44250-024-00129-y

Takeaways

Birth plans often overlook emotional and psychosocial aspects.
Informed consent should be a standard practice in obstetric care.
The structure of birth plans typically does not leave space for communicating emotional needs.
There is a need for curiosity from providers about patients' preferences.
It is not the responsibility of women and birthing people to be more flexible.
Communication about fears and values is crucial in birth planning.
The current system often fails to address the relational needs of patients.
A shift in mindset is needed regarding the purpose of birth plans.
Healthcare providers should prioritize understanding patients' emotional needs.
Many patients have experienced trauma related to birth.
Saying no to interventions does not indicate a difficult client.
The perception of normal birth can vary greatly between providers and clients.
Unconditional positive regard is a political stance in healthcare relationships.
Clients often feel powerless in the healthcare system.
Effective communication is key to improving birth experiences.

Sound Bites

"We should be communicating beyond just interventions."
"What do I want to communicate with my team?"
"The way we think about birth plans is missing a piece."
"Our clients want to be seen, heard, and in control."
"Having a client say no does not make them difficult."
"There's nothing normal about birth."

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Birth Plans: A Critical Examination

09:44 The Emotional Landscape of Birth Plans

20:14 Rethinking Birth Plans: From Procedures to Feelings

29:14 Understanding Birth Experiences and Communication

36:03 The Role of Providers in Birth Decisions

43:01 Unconditional Positive Regard in Care

47:47 Creating Better Communication Tools for Birth Givers

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Why Consent Matters

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Wed, 08 May 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Holding Ourselves in Kindness and with Grace

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:01:00 GMT

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience. Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

In this episode we talk about the harshness with which we regard ourselves and how to find more kindness and grace for who we are, what we carry and the parenting journey we are on.

(Rerun) Navigating Miscarriage and IVF with Marissa Hathaway

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Keywords

birth, postpartum, doula, trauma, infertility, IVF, ‘at least’ statements, miscarriage reproductive health

Takeaways

The harmful impact of 'at least' statements and how they can be invalidating
The challenges faced by individuals who have experienced trauma or infertility while supporting others in the perinatal field
The importance of recognizing and honoring each person's unique story

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

03:30 The Harmful Impact of 'At Least' Statements

11:17 Supporting Others While Navigating Personal Trauma

15:01 Navigating Reproductive Health Challenges as a Doula

26:45 Recognizing and Honoring Each Person's Unique Story

34:56 Conclusion and Takeaways

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

My body will not forget this

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 05:01:00 GMT

Welcome to Season 3 of the Resilient Birth podcast. In this episode, Sarah shares her personal reaction to the current political climate in which women's voices seem increasingly devalued, and men who have been accused of sexual misconduct are allowed into the heart of government. This is a raw and vulnerable sharing in which a sense of loss and helplessness is held alongside the hope that listeners, who perhaps also feel that their body will not forget this, will feel less alone. Justine and Sarah reflect on the emotional weight of motherhood and trauma in the current political climate, particularly regarding women's rights, voices, and the implications for future generations. Through personal anecdotes and a discussion of a quote from an op-ed by Danielle Campoarmor, https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/pete-hegseth-confirmed-defense-secretary-assault-allegations-rcna189168 , they emphasize the importance of speaking up even when it feels scary and the ongoing importance of your voice and the story your have to tell.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Keywords: politics, motherhood, trauma, women's rights, cultural backlash, future generations, collective grief, speaking up, freedom of speech, accusations of sexual misconduct, confirmation hearings.

Takeaways:

Cultural backlash against women's rights is palpable.
The future for children feels uncertain amidst political turmoil.
Speaking out is scary and important.
The importance of community and shared experiences.
Voices of women must be amplified in political discourse.
The journey of motherhood is political.

Sound Bites

"My body will not forget this."
"I can feel the intensity of your rawness."
"Where do we go from here?"
"We can only turn a blind eye for so long."
"Freedom of speech feels scary to speak."
"How do you rise up in the darkness?"

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Season Three

00:24 Reflections on Political Climate and Motherhood

04:06 The Impact of Trauma on Women

10:27 Cultural Backlash and Women's Voices

12:11 Imagining the Future for Our Children

17:11 Collective Trauma and Personal Grief

24:25 Finding Hope Amidst Darkness

27:25 The Importance of Speaking Up Even When it is Scary

33:25 Concluding Thoughts on Collective Voices

Should you Bring up Past Trauma as a Topic?

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

In this episode wide ranging episode we begin with a conversation about how perinatal professionals should raise the topic of previous trauma with their clients and patients. We talk about the importance of giving control to our clients when raising the topic of trauma and helping them to find their own resources within themselves.

The article from with Justine shares her quote is: Cull J, Thomson G, Downe S, Fine M, Topalidou A (2023) Views from women and maternity care professionals on routine discussion of previous trauma in the perinatal period: A qualitative evidence synthesis. PLOS ONE 18(5): e0284119. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0284119

Giving Voice to an Unspoken Story

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

In this episode Sarah shares some lyrics from a Sara Bareilles song - She Used To Be Mine. We talk about how it feels to carry unspoken stories and the power of feeling witnessed by music, literature, or another.

Grief Has No Timeline with Jennifer Jamieson

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 05:01:00 GMT

In this episode of the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann welcome Jennifer Jamieson, a bereaved mother and advocate for families who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. Jennifer begins with a quote from Glennon Doyle’s Untamed: “Every world changer’s work begins with a broken heart.” She shares her personal journey grieving the children she lost through miscarriage and stillbirth, the importance of community support, and the transformative power of sharing stories in group settings. The conversation emphasizes the uniqueness of each person's grief experience, the significance of rituals in mourning, and the necessity of giving oneself permission to grieve. Jeniffer share how in peer support groups grieving parents can find their own experiences reflected in those of others and discover they are not alone.

Keywords: grief, loss, support groups, bereaved parents, healing, community, stillbirth, miscarriage, peer support, pregnancy loss

takeaways

Every world changer’s work begins with a broken heart.
Grief has no timeline; it is a lifelong journey.
Loss is a loss and grief is grief, regardless of circumstances.
Community support can provide validation and understanding.
Rituals for mourning are essential for honoring lost loved ones.
It's never too late to acknowledge and process grief.
Grief work is akin to building a muscle; it requires effort.
We can carry our grief with us rather than trying to move on.
Sharing stories in a group can lead to transformative moments.
Authenticity in grief allows for deeper connections and healing.

Sound Bites

"Grief has no timeline."
"Loss is a loss and grief is grief."
"We're sure glad that we have this community."
"Grief work is like building a muscle."
"It's a myth that we move on from our lost loved ones."
"We create coping mechanisms that build strength."
"Your story has a place to be."
"It's never too late to acknowledge your grief."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Grief and Healing

01:01 The Impact of Personal Loss

08:25 The Power of Group Support

11:41 Navigating Grief: Individual vs. Group Support

18:07 Resonating Stories and Shared Experiences

21:22 Transformative Moments in Grief

26:37 Creating Rituals for Mourning

30:50Community Events and Collective Healing

37:34 Permission to Grieve

42:18 The Uniqueness of Grief in Community

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops

Jennifer Jamieson is a bereaved mother and advocate for families who have also suffered the loss of a baby. She volunteers as a grief group peer facilitator in person for various types of pregnancy and infant losses, and as well as provides phone and online support to parents who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth. Alongside other volunteers in her community, Jennifer co-hosts events such as remembrance walks in honour of these babies and holds a Wave of Light each year on October 15th, International Pregnancy And Infant Loss Awareness Day.

Emergency Podcast: Honoring Life Through Abortion Care

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:09:00 GMT

Keywords: abortion, perinatal care, women's rights, personal choice, government intervention, healthcare access, miscarriage, reproductive rights, trauma, maternal death

Justine and Sarah recorded this episode of the Resilient Birth podcast on abortion access and abortion care the day before the election in the US. At the time of recording, we thought we'd be releasing it after the results were known, but the topic felt so vital to this current moment, that we decided to release it on the day of recording as our first emergency podcast. We hope that our conversation today opens your hearts to the experiences of women who need access to medical care, whether that is to save their lives or to make the choices that are right for themselves and their babies. Sarah begins our conversation by sharing a quote by John Legend who lost his son Jack when his wife needed an abortion to save her life, and who has spoken up against the government being the ones to decide women are "sufficiently dying" before they are given life saving care. In this episode, Sarah also explores the powerful stories from the On Point podcast episode called “The Truth About Perinatal Hospice Care”. This podcast lifts the veil on perinatal hospice care and reveals the truth about the loving decisions families are making to honor their babies and their brief lives. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion, understanding, and the recognition of women's rights in making personal health decisions. They also highlight the emotional weight of these decisions and the dangerous implications of restricting access to abortion care which has already resulted in maternal deaths in the United States.

Takeaways

Access to abortion care is essential for women's health and safety.
Government intervention can strip families of their rights.
Perinatal hospice care provides compassionate support to families and often provides them with precious time with their babies.
Abortion access is a matter of safety and choice.
Misconceptions about abortion care need to be addressed.
The current election can significantly impact reproductive rights.
The voices of those affected must be uplifted.
Compassion and empathy are vital in these discussions.

Sound Bites

"Abortion saves people's lives."
"This is causing perinatal trauma."
"What is sufficiently dying?"
"We need to listen to each other."
"I am here to walk with you."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Abortion Access

06:02 The Importance of Abortion Access

08:54 Perinatal Hospice Care: A Compassionate Approach

12:11 The Emotional Weight of Decision-Making

15:04 Misconceptions About Abortion Care

18:05 The Role of the Election in Abortion Rights

21:07 The Broader Implications of Abortion Access

23:57 Personal Stories and Their Impact

26:54 The Deadly Consequences of Delayed Medical Care

30:03 The Need for Comprehensive Understanding

33:11 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Creating Stories in the Sand: Healing Perinatal Trauma with Lacey Castilleja Fisher

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In this episode, Justine and Sarah interview Lacey Castilleja Fisher, a licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist. Lacey specializes in working with parents and parents-to-be who have experienced sexual trauma, as well as individuals dealing with a range of mental health issues. Lacey shares two quotes that resonate with her work: one by Natasha Trethewey about the importance of telling a story to heal from trauma, and another by Resmaa Menakem about the discomfort of healing. The conversation explores the power of storytelling, the use of sandtray therapy and expressive arts in therapy, and the personal experiences that led Lacey to her work. In this conversation, Lacey discusses how she creates safety in the sandtray experience. She emphasizes the importance of selecting diverse materials and figures, and speaking to the activating potential of the miniatures. Lacey also explains how she incorporates EMDR into sandtray therapy and adapts the practice for the perinatal population. She shares insights on finding and collecting miniatures, as well as the importance of open curiosity and not assuming the meaning behind a client's tray. The conversation highlights the power of storytelling and the versatility of expressive art therapy.

Keywords: therapy, trauma, storytelling, sandtray therapy, expressive arts, perinatal trauma, birth trauma, EMDR, perinatal mental health, storytelling, expressive art therapy

Takeaways

Telling a story is an important part of healing from trauma. It allows individuals to process and integrate their experiences. But telling a story does not have to be verbal.
Sandtray therapy and expressive arts can be powerful tools in therapy, providing a nonverbal and creative way for clients to explore and express their emotions and experiences.
The journey of parenthood can bring up feelings of uncertainty and self-doubt, especially for individuals with their own trauma history.
EMDR can be incorporated into sandtray therapy.
Adapting sandtray therapy for the perinatal population involves gaining expertise in perinatal mental health and being thoughtful about the miniatures that represent the different feelings and experiences during the perinatal period.
Open curiosity and not assuming the meaning behind a client's tray are important aspects of facilitating the therapy.
Storytelling in sand tray therapy goes beyond verbal expression and includes the selection and creation of scenes in the tray.

Sound Bites

"No words are off limits. No stories are off limits."
"The expressive arts and sandtray therapy allow different parts that are closed off to open up."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:24 The Power of Storytelling and Quotes

06:21Using Sandtray Therapy and Expressive Arts

10:00 Introduction to Sandtray Therapy

12:09 Working with Non-Verbal Parts and Sensations

17:01 The Process of Building and Creating in Therapy

21:47 Personal Experience and Trauma-Informed Work

27:28 Creating Safety in the Sandtray Experience

30:05 Incorporating EMDR into Sandtray Therapy

33:28 Adapting Sandtray Therapy for the Perinatal Population

36:28 Finding and Collecting Miniatures

39:36 Facilitating Open Curiosity

42:46 The Power of Storytelling in Sandtray Therapy

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Lacey Castilleja Fisher, LPC-S, RPT-S, PMH-C, is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and a Certified Mental Health Professional with a mental health private practice in southwest Austin. Lacey has worked in a variety of settings including in a Children’s Advocacy Center to provide counseling to children that experienced sexual abuse and their families, and she decided to take the experience she had there and apply it to private practice. She built her practice around supporting children and adults that had experienced sexual abuse/assault and found a passion working with parents and parents to be when their sexual trauma was activated in the perinatal period. This led to Lacey learning as much as she could about perinatal trauma, pregnancy and infant loss, NICU trauma and fertility struggles. Lacey finds that the parents she works with respond well to EMDR, IFS and sandtray therapy at her counseling practice. Lacey has served as the Clinical Director for the Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Alliance of Texas and now serves on their advisory board.

Lacey has shared this article with us about sand tray therapy (https://wjstp-ojs-txstate.tdl.org/wjstp/article/view/25), as well as an upcoming workshop she is hosting called "Storytelling in the Sand: Using Sandtray Therapy to Cope with Perinatal Trauma and Loss: http://www.openheartcounselingatx.com/store/p2/storytellinginthesand.html.

The Power of Words: A Birth Story with Liz Gray

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 04:01:00 GMT

This week, Liz Gray, LCSW, RPT, shares her birth story in which she explores the complex feelings she has about the OB at her birth, who provided physically good medical care but whose language and attitude was extremely harmful. Her story includes navigating a lack of trauma-informed care during infertility treatment, a birth center to hospital birth transfer, an unplanned a cesarean birth, and a misdiagnosis of "failure to thrive" for her baby by her first pediatrician. A thread that weaves throughout her story is the impact of our words and how not being trauma-informed can add layers of trauma to what are already challenging prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum experiences, especially for survivors of trauma.

To start our conversation, Liz shares the words of Kayleigh Summers, LCSW, PMH-C, from her Instagram (@thebirthtrauma_mama), who is also host of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Liz Gray, LCSW, RPT is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist, and certified EMDR therapist in Illinois. She is a Highly Sensitive Person, wife, human & goldendoodle momma, organizer, forever learner, quiet leader, social introvert, think-outside-the-box creator, trauma survivor, and infertility warrier. Liz is the proud co-founder of the Trauma-Informed Maternal Health Directory, an online directory that connects women in all phases of trying to conceive, infertility, pregnancy, birth & early parenthood to trauma-informed health and mental health providers.

The Complexities of Exploring Healing

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode we talk about whether healing from trauma is like healing from a physical wound: do our bodies innately know how to do it? How do we tap into that knowledge? And what is the role of others, such as a therapist, in the healing process? Sarah shares a quote this week from the book Internal Family Systems Therapy, 2nd edition, by Richard C. Schwartz and Martha Sweezy.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Trauma-Informed Care is Personalized Care

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Justine shares from an article about the experiences of rape and sexual assault survivors during labor and birth and we discuss how feeling in control looks different for each individual. Sarah shares her experience of being misnamed her during one of her births and the impact that had on her sense of safety, and we talk about how birth plans can be read to really personalize care and support.

Here is the reference for the article Justine quotes from: Lissmann, R., Lokot, M. & Marston, C. Understanding the lived experience of pregnancy and birth for survivors of rape and sexual assault. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 23, 796 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-06085-4

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

The Pain of Having to Speak Your Truth

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 23:01:00 GMT

In this episode Sarah shares a quote from "The Retrievals" podcast which focuses on the experiences of women who were harmed during fertility treatment at Yale and Justine shares her own experience of having her pain go unacknowledged during her first birth.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

I Just Want to Hold Your Hand

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:01:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah shares a quote from James Arthur's song "Finally" that connects to her grief as a parent who has also lost a parent.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Embracing a Lifespan Perspective in Birth and Healing with Helena Vissing

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In this episode, Justine and Sarah are joined by Helena Vissing, PsyD, SEP, PMH-C, a licensed psychologist practicing trauma-informed somatic psychotherapy. They discuss the quote by Rosemary Balsam that highlights the relationship between a woman and embodied events, such as birth, across her entire lifetime. They explore the significance of birth as a prism that captures the past and future, the need for relational care in the prevention and healing from birth trauma, and the limitations of a purely medical approach to birth. Helena emphasizes the importance of holding a lifespan perspective and integrating somatic and psychodynamic approaches in supporting clients.

Keywords

birth trauma, female body, relational care, healing, lifespan perspective, somatic psychotherapy, psychodynamic approach

Takeaways

Birth is a transformative event that holds meaning for the individual both before and after it occurs.
Relational care is essential in the prevention and healing from birth trauma. Relational care provides support, understanding, and validation that is not available technology alone.
A purely medical approach to birth overlooks the importance of the relationship between the birthing person and their body, emotions, and experiences.
A lifespan perspective is crucial in understanding the impact of birth trauma and the ongoing journey of healing and transformation.
Integrating somatic and psychodynamic approaches can support clients in reconnecting with their bodies and navigating the complexities of the perinatal transition.

Sound Bites

"Birth is never just that one moment. It captures so much of what has gone before in your whole life."
"We cannot bypass the need for relational care that humans have. It's a defining feature of being human."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:43 Quote by Rosemary Balsam

08:28 The Importance of Relational Care in Birth

17:51 Challenging the Medical Approach to Birth

28:22 The Dilemma of Western Medicine

38:06 Healing and Reconnecting with the Body

50:17 The Prism of Healing and Transformation

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Helena Vissing, PsyD, SEP, PMH-C, is a licensed psychologist practicing trauma-informed somatic psychotherapy in North California. She is certified in Perinatal Mental Health and specializes in working with expecting and new parents. She is Associate Professor in the somatic program at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Before joining CIIS, Helena taught at several graduate institutions, including Reiss-Davis Graduate School, Antioch University, and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her areas of specialization include developmental psychology, perinatal mental health, and integrating psychodynamic and somatic modalities in trauma treatment. Helena also has extensive experience providing advanced level training of providers in perinatal mental health. She has published book chapters and articles on the topic of the psychology of mothering and its somatic aspects and is the author of Somatic Maternal Healing. Psychodynamic and Somatic Trauma Treatment for Perinatal Mental Health; a biopsychosocial framework for integrating and adapting a somatic approach to make perinatal mental health not only trauma informed, but also trauma responsive. She is one of the hosts of the podcast channel New Books in Psychoanalysis and is on the editorial board of the International Body Psychotherapy Journal.

We're Not Meant To Do This Alone with Erin Ronder Neves

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 04:01:00 GMT

This is our second episode of Season 2 and today we are talking to Erin Ronder Neves, a birth and postpartum doula, about her experiences with Postpartum Depression and OCD. In this episode, Erin shares candidly about the intrusive thoughts she experienced and the support she sought to help her through this frightening experience.

We wanted to link to this helpful article to help you understand how intrusive thoughts and OCD work and how they are different to postpartum psychosis: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/difference-between-postpartum-anxiety-ocd-psychosis.html

Unlike postpartum OCD, postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency and visiting your nearest emergency room is the appropriate response.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Erin Ronder Neves started birth work after the birth of her second daughter, but it was the birth and postpartum experience of her first daughter that initially opened her eyes to all the empowering opportunities that birthing people are not made aware of on their journey. Erin is a certified Birth Doula who has supported over 275 births. She is also a postpartum doula and has worked with just as many families during the postpartum period, as she believes that support should continue once someone gives birth instead of well wishes and one follow-up visit which is usually 6 weeks after birth. Throughout the years, Erin has tacked on a few additional letters after her name to become a Certified Childbirth Educator through BACE, A Certified Lactation Counselor, and a Spinning Babies Parent Educator. And of course, Erin is a proud graduate of Resilient Birth's Trauma Informed Training. Erin started her doula and education business, ERN Doula, back in 2020, and is currently about to launch a brand new brick and mortar location on the North Shore of MA in Beverly, MA, called Beyond Birthing. Doors will open in mid June! Beyond Birthing is the first of its kind, all-inclusive prenatal and postpartum support center. Under one roof families will be able to have access to FULL TIME chiropractic services, lactation consultant, perinatal mental health clinicians, maternal nutritionist, massage therapy, caregiver education groups and so, so many support groups. The mission of Beyond Birthing is focused on the caregivers! Beyond Birthing will allow caregivers to prioritize their own mental health and physical wellbeing, and is dedicated to making it easier to do so. Feel free to check out her website: www.beyondbirthingvillage.com

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Connecting to Self and Baby in Pregnancy and Birth

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 23:00:00 GMT

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

In this episode we talk about the challenges of connecting to oneself and our baby in pregnancy and birth. So many of us want to feel present at the moment of our baby's birth but can find that difficult particularly after a hard birth or if we have a history of trauma. Join us as we share our thoughts on why we might want a particular kind of birth and the power of thinking about how we want to feel and be when we meet out baby.

Does Healing Mean Taking Responsibility For Our Role in Suffering? With Alex Schoenberger

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 05:01:00 GMT

In this episode, hosts Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann welcome Alex Schoenberger, a certified birth and postpartum doula, to discuss whether healing means taking responsibility for one’s own part in ongoing suffering. We are not all on the same page on this one and the conversation leads us to a rich discussion on how sentiments such as this land differently with different people – these kinds of sayings can feel empowering to some, but can also add to the trauma of others. The conversation explores the importance of seeking help, the role of support systems, and the need for validation in maternal care. Alex shares her personal journey through postpartum challenges especially after her baby needed resuscitation after birth and spent time in the NICU. She emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and understanding in the doula's role.

Keywords: birth trauma, NICU story, postpartum support, maternal health, doula, perinatal mental health, childbirth education, self-responsibility, seeking help, emotional support,

Takeaways

Postpartum experiences can deeply impact mental health.
Empowerment in motherhood is subjective and personal.
Seeking help is crucial for healing and support.
Validation of experiences is vital in maternal care.
Doulas play a unique role in providing emotional support.
Proactive planning can mitigate postpartum challenges.
The importance of active listening in support roles.
Recognizing the diverse experiences of motherhood is key.

Sound Bites

"I was deep in suffering."
"I just needed someone to witness how deeply I was drowning."
"We need to prepare for parenthood."
"I didn't want help because I didn't know if I could trust."
"It takes a very strong person to be willing to switch OBs."
"There's truth in all of our experiences."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Resilient Birth Podcast

01:28 The Impact of This Language Around Healing and Responsibility

06:31 Navigating Postpartum Challenges

12:40 The Role of Support in Healing

19:34 Trust and Seeking Help in Maternal Care

25:07 The Importance of Validating Experiences

32:43 The Doula's Role in Maternal Support

39:23 Tension Between Support and Advocacy

45:31 Takeaways and Reflections

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops

Alex Schoenberger is a Canadian mother to two boys, a certified birth and postpartum doula and childbirth educator. While newer to this field of work, she is passionate about helping other families to dive into their fears around pregnancy, birth and postpartum and set up supports to help them feel empowered and fearless. This passion stems from her own story of acute birth trauma.

We All Walk With Stories

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:01:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Justine discuss the stories we carry and the shame that often comes with them. What would it mean to open the book and take a look inside?

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Failure to Thrive Feels Like Failure to Parent

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode Justine and Sarah explore the complexities of breastfeeding journeys. How do we support people navigating challenging emotional experiences while feeding their baby? Listen as Justine shares her story of breastfeeding challenges and what it was like to hear the words "Failure to Thrive."

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

(Rerun) Finding Our Way Home

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:01:00 GMT

We are recording Season 3 of the Resilient Birth podcast. Meanwhile we have selected our favorite episodes for you.

In this episode Sarah shares her experience of coming home to safety and strength within her body through returning to something she loves.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Defining The Pain Within Us

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:02:00 GMT

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Trauma-Informed Care: Two Sides of a Coin

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Justine and Sarah discuss how providers, such as midwives, nurses, doulas, therapists and OBs, need and deserve work environments and systems that support their mental health and so enable them to provide the trauma-informed care that clients and patients deserve.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

When Women Gather Together

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Wed, 21 May 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops

Keywords women's voices, motherhood, feminism, postpartum experience, postpartum support, mom’s groups, parenthood, maternal health, women's rights, childbirth,

Takeaways

Justine reflects on the importance of women's voices.
The postpartum experience is often isolating.
Support groups for mothers were vital for Justine’s mental health.
Society often dismisses the struggles of motherhood.
Cultural narratives can silence women's experiences.
Women are often taught their worth is tied to their bodies.
Feminism has not fully addressed the needs of mothers.
There is a societal fear of women gathering and sharing their stories.
Financial assistance for becoming a parent is inadequate.
True support for parents goes beyond financial aid.
Community and healthcare access are critical for new parents.
The isolation of modern families impacts parenting experiences.
Support services for parents are often lacking in the U.S.

In this conversation, Justine and Sarah explore the importance of mothers’ voices, and the cultural perceptions surrounding women's experiences. They discuss the isolation many mothers feel, the need for support, and how societal narratives often diminish the value of women's experiences. The conversation highlights the power of collective voices and the ongoing challenges women face in being heard and respected in their journeys through motherhood and beyond. In this conversation, Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann discuss the societal implications of parenthood, the inadequacy of financial support for new parents, and the systemic failures in maternal healthcare. They emphasize the need for community support and the importance of collective voices in advocating for better maternal rights and services. The dialogue highlights the limitations of monetary assistance and calls for a more comprehensive approach to supporting families, particularly in the context of the current political climate.

Sound Bites

"We should be revered for what we do."
"There's no monetary value on parenthood"
"We live in very isolated societies"
"When women gather, there's power in that"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

03:44 The Importance of Women's Voices

12:11 Cultural Perceptions of Motherhood

20:09 The Visibility of Women's Experiences

21:28 Choices and Freedom in Womanhood

22:45 The Value of Parenthood in Society

24:05 Financial Support vs. Real Needs

28:17 The Limitations of Monetary Assistance

33:37 Systemic Failures in Maternal Support

39:32 The Power of Collective Voices

Hope and Choice in Healing

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Wed, 14 May 2025 23:01:00 GMT

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops

In this episode of the Resilient Birth Podcast, Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann discuss trauma, healing, and the power of choice as reflected in Dr. Edith Eager's book, The Choice. They explore how trauma impacts self-worth, the importance of relationships in healing, and the small choices we can make to reclaim our lives. The conversation emphasizes the need for support and connection when we feel our choices in childbirth have been taken away, (for example, when a cesarean becomes necessary for medical reasons) , highlighting that while we cannot change what might be happening, we have some control over how we respond. As an example of this, Sarah shares her story of leaning in to her midwife’s belief in her during her emergency C-section with her first child.

Keywords: trauma, healing, choice, self-worth, childbirth, cesarean, C-section birth, birth story, birth support planning.

Takeaways

Trauma can distort our self-perception.
Healing is a journey that often requires support from others.
Small moments of hope can lead to significant changes in our lives.
Relationships play a crucial role in our healing process.
It's important to recognize the choices we have, even in difficult circumstances.
Practicing positive thinking can lead to positive actions and outcomes.
Believing in others' potential can empower them on their healing journey.

Sound Bites

"The truth is we will all have unpleasant experiences."
"We have a choice to reclaim our lives."
"You're going to be 50 anyhow."
"We need each other to escape the prisons of our minds."
"I believe my clients have the ability to heal."
"I can be there as a champion and a support."
"I just recommend this book to anyone."

Chapters

00:0 0Introduction and Book Reflection

02:04 The Impact of Trauma on Self-Worth

06:21 The Power of Choice in Healing

10:21 Understanding Responsibility and Control

12:25 Finding Hope in Small Moments

16:41 The Role of Relationships in Healing

20:53 Exploring Choices in Birth Experiences

24:20 The Journey of Acceptance and Reframing

28:09 The Importance of Support in Healing

32:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

My Therapist Dismissed My Story: When Birth Mirrors Sexual Violence

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In this episode of the Resilient Birth Podcast, Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann delve into the complex interplay between trauma, birth experiences, and the importance of consent and validation in therapeutic settings. Justine shares her personal journey of navigating her traumatic birth experience as a survivor of sexual assault, highlighting the disconnect between what she wanted for her birth and the reality of her experience. Justine shares how a lack of consent during her birth mirrored her experience of rape through stripping her of her sense of autonomy and control and how this aspect of her birth trauma was not recognized by her therapist at the time. The conversation emphasizes the need for therapists and medical providers to listen deeply, validate experiences, and honor the autonomy of individuals during birth.

Keywords: birth trauma, sexual assault, rape, consent, listening, validation, therapy, counseling.

Takeaways

The importance of consent in birth experiences cannot be overstated.
Listening and validation are crucial for those sharing their trauma.
Prior trauma can significantly impact the experience of childbirth.
Grief is a natural response to a birth experience that didn't go as planned.
Therapists and providers must recognize the vulnerability of their clients.
Medical interventions without consent can strip away a person's sense of control.
Reclaiming power in birth can be healing.

Chapters

00:00 Connecting Sexual Violence to Birth Trauma and the Failure to Listen

03:07 The Role of Consent in Birth

06:12 The Importance of Listening and Validation

12:12 A Fantasy of Reclaiming Power in Birth

15:00 The Impact of Medical Interventions Without Consent

20:59 Grief and the Birth Experience

24:00 The Power of Vulnerable Sharing

26:57 Understanding the Complexity of Birth Stories

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

(Rerun) Creating Stories in the Sand: Healing Perinatal Trauma with Lacey Castilleja Fisher

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:01:00 GMT

We are recording Season 3 of the Resilient Birth podcast. Meanwhile we have selected our favorite episodes for you. In this episode, Justine and Sarah interview Lacey Castilleja Fisher, a licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist. Lacey specializes in working with parents and parents-to-be who have experienced sexual trauma, as well as individuals dealing with a range of mental health issues. Lacey shares two quotes that resonate with her work: one by Natasha Trethewey about the importance of telling a story to heal from trauma, and another by Resmaa Menakem about the discomfort of healing. The conversation explores the power of storytelling, the use of sandtray therapy and expressive arts in therapy, and the personal experiences that led Lacey to her work. In this conversation, Lacey discusses how she creates safety in the sandtray experience. She emphasizes the importance of selecting diverse materials and figures, and speaking to the activating potential of the miniatures. Lacey also explains how she incorporates EMDR into sandtray therapy and adapts the practice for the perinatal population. She shares insights on finding and collecting miniatures, as well as the importance of open curiosity and not assuming the meaning behind a client's tray. The conversation highlights the power of storytelling and the versatility of expressive art therapy. Keywords: therapy, trauma, storytelling, sandtray therapy, expressive arts, perinatal trauma, birth trauma, EMDR, perinatal mental health, storytelling, expressive art therapy Takeaways Telling a story is an important part of healing from trauma. It allows individuals to process and integrate their experiences. But telling a story does not have to be verbal. Sandtray therapy and expressive arts can be powerful tools in therapy, providing a nonverbal and creative way for clients to explore and express their emotions and experiences. The journey of parenthood can bring up feelings of uncertainty and self-doubt, especially for individuals with their own trauma history. EMDR can be incorporated into sandtray therapy. Adapting sandtray therapy for the perinatal population involves gaining expertise in perinatal mental health and being thoughtful about the miniatures that represent the different feelings and experiences during the perinatal period. Open curiosity and not assuming the meaning behind a client's tray are important aspects of facilitating the therapy. Storytelling in sand tray therapy goes beyond verbal expression and includes the selection and creation of scenes in the tray. Sound Bites "No words are off limits. No stories are off limits." "The expressive arts and sandtray therapy allow different parts that are closed off to open up." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:24 The Power of Storytelling and Quotes 06:21Using Sandtray Therapy and Expressive Arts 10:00 Introduction to Sandtray Therapy 12:09 Working with Non-Verbal Parts and Sensations 17:01 The Process of Building and Creating in Therapy 21:47 Personal Experience and Trauma-Informed Work 27:28 Creating Safety in the Sandtray Experience 30:05 Incorporating EMDR into Sandtray Therapy 33:28 Adapting Sandtray Therapy for the Perinatal Population 36:28 Finding and Collecting Miniatures 39:36 Facilitating Open Curiosity 42:46 The Power of Storytelling in Sandtray Therapy On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma across the perinatal period, from trying-to-conceive to pregnancy, from childbirth to postpartum and parenting. Through an inspirational quote that drives our weekly conversations about trauma and healing, Justine and Sarah explore topics such as birth trauma, parenting as a survivor, and finding healing with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals. Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic. Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience. Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence. Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals Lacey Castilleja Fisher, LPC-S, RPT-S, PMH-C, is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and a Certified Mental Health Professional with a mental health private practice in southwest Austin. Lacey has worked in a variety of settings including in a Children’s Advocacy Center to provide counseling to children that experienced sexual abuse and their families, and she decided to take the experience she had there and apply it to private practice. She built her practice around supporting children and adults that had experienced sexual abuse/assault and found a passion working with parents and parents to be when their sexual trauma was activated in the perinatal period. This led to Lacey learning as much as she could about perinatal trauma, pregnancy and infant loss, NICU trauma and fertility struggles. Lacey finds that the parents she works with respond well to EMDR, IFS and sandtray therapy at her counseling practice. Lacey has served as the Clinical Director for the Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Alliance of Texas and now serves on their advisory board. Lacey has shared this article with us about sand tray therapy (https://wjstp-ojs-txstate.tdl.org/wjstp/article/view/25), as well as an upcoming workshop she is hosting called "Storytelling in the Sand: Using Sandtray Therapy to Cope with Perinatal Trauma and Loss: http://www.openheartcounselingatx.com/store/p2/storytellinginthesand.html.

(Rerun) Holding Space for Trauma with Kristi Field

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 05:01:00 GMT

We are recording Season 3 of the Resilient Birth podcast. Meanwhile we have selected our favorite episodes for you. In this episode Sarah and Justine talk with Kristi Field about how her work as a birth and postpartum doula is grounded in Polyvagal Theory and how trauma can be stored within the nervous system. Join us as we explore how this understanding of trauma impacts people's birthing and postpartum experiences and what it means to truly hold space throughout the whole perinatal journey.

Here is a link to the Postpartum Resource Guide Kristi mentions:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KZUNrZni1ntWZ3rriDOWewFljLlaGCgz/view?usp=sharing

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

(Rerun) The Warmth of Being: Introducing Max

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 05:01:00 GMT

We are recording Season 3 of the Resilient Birth podcast. Meanwhile we have selected our favorite episodes for you. This week Sarah introduces us to Max, who has brought so much joy and comfort to her life over the last few months. Using a quote from Dog Medicine by Julie Barton, Sarah brings insight into the healing power of animals, particularly dogs, who can offer such unconditional loving support and shares her own experience with Max, who came into her life a few months ago and nourishes her as a person and mother.Throughout the episode, Justine and Sarah explore the profound impact that pets, particularly dogs, have on emotional well-being and the importance of unconditional acceptance in relationships. They discuss how animals provide a safe space for expressing emotions, the challenges of navigating uncomfortable feelings, and the role of pets in parenting. Justine and Sarah discuss the challenges humans seem to face in offering the same kind of nonjudgmental acceptance and warmth that pets such as dogs can provide. We talk about how pregnant, birthing and postpartum individuals often feel that the people from whom they are seeking support and care, such as family members, partners, doulas, midwives, Obs, lactation consultants and other perinatal professionals, are often uncomfortable with uncomfortable conversations. It is understandable that, in our discomfort, we try to fix the problem rather than listen, but this means that parents and parents-to-be do not feel understood by us. Justine and Sarah talk about what we can learn from animals like dogs for whom it is so intuitive to meet people where they are and how we can show up for our clients who are navigating challenges in the journey to motherhood and parenting as a witness who walks into darkness alongside them. We end by exploring the power of 'just being', both of us grasping for words that take us beyond being the idea of 'being myself' to a more grounded concept of what it might mean to 'be with another.' The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care, the significance of being present with others, and the art of just being without the pressure to perform. Ultimately, they highlight the magic that can happen when individuals connect authentically with themselves and others, fostering a sense of community and support.

Takeaways

Having a pet can provide emotional grounding and safety.
Unconditional acceptance is rare in human relationships.
Navigating uncomfortable emotions is a challenge for many.
Pets can play a crucial role in parenting and emotional support.
Nature can enhance self-care practices.
Being present with clients is essential for effective support.
Creating safe spaces for vulnerability is vital in therapeutic settings.
The art of just being can lead to deeper connections.
Animals can teach us about authentic presence and connection.
Finding authenticity in connection is key to emotional healing.

Sound Bites

"I needed a companion who had no judgment."
"That unconditional acceptance is so very freeing."
"Animals just know how to journey along with us."

Chapters

00:00 The Healing Power of Pets

02:52 Unconditional Acceptance and Emotional Safety

05:51 Navigating Uncomfortable Emotions

08:50 The Role of Animals in Parenting

12:09 Nature and Self-Care

15:05 The Importance of Being Present

18:12 Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability

20:54 The Art of Just Being

26:52 Finding Authenticity in Connection

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

(Rerun) You're a Different Parent After You've Seen the Inside of a NICU with Mara Tesler Stein

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 05:01:00 GMT

We are recording Season 3 of the Resilient Birth podcast. Meanwhile we have selected our favorite episodes for you. In this episode, Justine and Sarah are joined by Mara Tesler-Stein, a clinical psychologist and founder of the Touchstone Institute for Psychotherapy and Training. We talk about EMDR for the perinatal population, the impact on Mara's own perinatal journey as the parent of preemie twins on her professional career, and the experience of having a baby in the NICU.

Summary

Keywords

EMDR therapy, perinatal mental health, birth trauma, NICU, early development, attachment, perinatal crisis, parental identity, healthcare providers,

Takeaways

EMDR therapy is a trauma-focused therapy that helps individuals process and integrate traumatic experiences.
Trauma in the perinatal period, including the trauma of a NICU experience, can have long-term impacts on individuals and their families.
Parents face three core tasks in and after a perinatal crisis: developing parental identity, managing emotions, and managing relationships.
Perinatal crises are transformative and can lead to a shift in identity and perspective for parents.
The loss of innocence and loss of peer group are significant challenges that parents face in the aftermath of a perinatal crisis.
Healthcare providers can understand their role as both the hosts of and guests within families in their care, making space for parents to fulfill their role as parents.

Sound Bites

"Someone who saves a single life is considered as if they have saved an entire world."
"The healing is already there. My job as the therapist is to help that internal healing mobilize."
"The brain's very efficient when it's not being blocked."
"Perinatal crises are transformative "
"Parents of preemies are different parents"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Quote

03:02 Understanding EMDR Therapy

06:01 The Power of Healing and Growth

10:06 The Impact of Trauma in the Perinatal Period

14:01 Navigating Medical Settings After NICU Trauma

15:40 Mara Shares Her Personal and Professional Story

24:56 The Three Core Tasks in a Perinatal Crisis

27:54 Challenges of Loss of Innocence and Peer Group

29:42 Navigating Relationships in a Perinatal Crisis

36:01 The Role of Healthcare Providers in Supporting Parents

40:03 The Importance of Acknowledging Parents' Input and Desires

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

You can find her at www.touchstoneinstitute.org and at mara@touchstoneinstitute.org.

Babies are the Royalty of Humanity with Kate White

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In this episode, we are joined by Kate White, who talks intimately about integrating implicit memories and her experience supporting mothers and babies through trauma-informed somatic healing approaches. She starts our conversation, which explores what healing from perinatal trauma can look like when we take into account the baby's experience of birth and what is happening in the relationship between parent and infant, by quoting her mentors John and Anna Chitty.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Dissociation Reframed with Morning Alexander

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In this episode Sarah and Justine's guest, Morning Alexander, a birth and postpartum doula and soon to be labor and delivery nurse, surprises us with a quote from Justine that she wrote on the Resilient Birth social media. She shares how Justine helped reframe dissociation for her, shifting the shame she her felt about experiencing dissociation during a traumatic birth experience.

Here are links to Justine's words about dissociation as a gift that helped her survive the unbearable and which starts our conversation today.

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/8kAecEYzfxjiki3p/?mibextid=WC7FNe

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CIga0x-ACQS/?igsh=MWhjYXdlcGRtcWE5ZA==

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

(Rerun) Failure to Thrive Feels Like Failure to Parent

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:01:00 GMT

We are recording Season 3 of the Resilient Birth podcast. Meanwhile we have selected our favorite episodes for you. In this episode Justine and Sarah explore the complexities of breastfeeding journeys. How do we support people navigating challenging emotional experiences while feeding their baby? Listen as Justine shares her story of breastfeeding challenges and what it was like to hear the words "Failure to Thrive."

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Defining Birth Trauma

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In this episode, Justine and Sarah debate definitions of birth trauma. Is birth trauma really just any experience of distress in childbirth? Does it occur because we had unrealistic expectations? And what is the impact of other people in the birthing space on the extent to which we experience birth trauma?

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

The Power of Small Moments

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah shares a quote by the author and artist Chanel Miller and we discuss how neither we nor our clients can ever be truly stuck in one place, even if trauma can make us feel that way. By taking note of small moments we can see the shifts that are already taking place within us or the possibility of what the future may hold.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

EMDR: from Unmanageable to Manageable

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Justine and Sarah discuss how EMDR can help people feel differently about their traumatic experience.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Remembering Penny Simkin

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 02 May 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In this episode, Justine and Sarah honor Penny Simkin, physiotherapist, doula, co-founder of DONA and PATTCH, and author of numerous books including When Survivors Give Birth. We talk about her impact of our work and the legacy she has created in the birth world.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Bearing Witness After the Birth

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In today's Resilient Birth Short we discuss debriefing a birth with your client. We discuss how your client may be looking for more than just person to listen to the story of the birth. So often our clients want to be witnessed and have their experience of birth and what has come after validated. They want to feel seen and heard.

While we record Season 2 of the podcast we will be sharing some of our weekly conversations from our Facebook group the Trauma-Informed Perinatal Professionals. This episode was recorded back in the winter as you will hear in the introductory comments.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Why Care about Trauma-Informed Care?

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In today's Resilient Birth Short why you should care about trauma-informed care and we introduce our training Trauma Informed Fundamentals, which provides a really great introduction to trauma and trauma-informed care. Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

While we record Season 2 of the podcast we will be sharing some of our weekly conversations from our Facebook group the Trauma-Informed Perinatal Professionals.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Finding Our Way Home

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:01:00 GMT

In this episode Sarah shares her experience of coming home to safety and strength within her body through returning to something she loves.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Trauma Destroys Time: A Conversation After Being Triggered

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In this conversation, Sarah and Justine discuss the impact of trauma on our sense of time and how the past can erupt into the present or shift our perception of what is about to happen in the future. Justine shares a quote from the book Trauma and Human Existence by Robert D. Storolow. She was reminded of this quote, in particular his words, “Trauma destroys time,” after a recent personal experience of reacting unexpectedly and dramatically to a trigger resulting from an experience with her baby she did not originally categorize as a trauma. Sarah and Justine emphasize the importance of seeking support and understanding in navigating the effects of trauma particularly when parenting. The conversation highlights the power of trusted relationships and creating safe spaces for healing so that we can be present with ourselves and our children.

Keywords

Trauma and temporality, unexpected triggers, fragmentation along time, healing, creating safe spaces

Takeaways

Trauma can disrupt our sense of time and bring past experiences into the present moment.
Triggers can unexpectedly bring us back to traumatic events, even if we don't categorize them as traumas.
Seeking support and understanding is crucial in navigating the effects of trauma.
Creating safe spaces and trusted relationships can help in healing and bringing fragmented parts of ourselves back together.

Sound Bites

"Trauma destroys time."
"The world feels more tender and vulnerable when you're a parent."
"Our body can sometimes feel like it's never in that calm state."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Quote

08:02 The Impact of Trauma on Our Sense of Time

15:27 Triggers: Unexpectedly Reliving Traumatic Experiences

25:21 The Importance of Seeking Support in Navigating Trauma

27:15 Creating Safe Spaces for Healing and Integration

38:27 Conclusion and Takeaways

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Connection and Possibility in Perinatal Care

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In this conversation, Justine Leach, Ph.D. and Sarah Adelmann, L.M.H.C., explore the themes of connection, vulnerability, and trust within the context of perinatal healthcare, particularly in pregnancy and birth. Sarah begins with a quote by President Barack Obama from his book A Promised Land. They discuss the importance of deep listening from OBs and midwives, and the challenges of building trust in a hospital system that often feels disconnected. The conversation emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to recognize the weight of the questions they ask and the vulnerability being demanded of their clients and patients, advocating for a more compassionate and present approach to care.

Keywords: connection, vulnerability, healthcare, trust, birth, trauma, listening, trauma-informed care, maternity care, prenatal care.

Takeaways

Connection is vital for emotional well-being.
Trust is built through deep listening and presence.
Vulnerability requires an invitation from the provider.
Healthcare providers must recognize the weight of their questions.
Patients often feel they have no choice but to comply.
The presence of the provider can create a safe space for vulnerability.
Healing can begins with believing in another’s ability to heal.
Providers should honor the weight of stories behind patient’s answers to their questions.
It's essential to meet clients where they are emotionally.

Sound Bites

"There's a physical feeling, a current of emotion."
"We are all connected and our voices matter."
"I didn't know I could use my voice."

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Connection

05:40 Building Trust in Healthcare

11:12 Vulnerability and Invitation

16:11 The Weight of Disclosure

21:45 Recognizing Vulnerability in Questions

27:01 The Role of Presence in Care

30:31 Possibilities Through Connection

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Trauma-Informed Birth Plans

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 16 May 2024 04:01:00 GMT

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Intake Questions

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In today's Resilient Birth Short we discuss what we need to be mindful of when thinking about our intake questions and asking about prior trauma during that first meeting.

While we record Season 2 of the podcast we will be sharing some of our weekly conversations from our Facebook group the Trauma-Informed Perinatal Professionals.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

How My Midwife Gave Me What I Needed

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Justine shares a quote from her own birth plan and talks about how the plan itself became an important tool for creating safety with a midwife she had not met before the birth.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

(Rerun) Breastfeeding After Birth Trauma with Erin Northrup

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 05:01:00 GMT

We are recording Season 3 of the Resilient Birth podcast. Meanwhile we have selected our favorite episodes for you. In this episode of the Resilient Birth Podcast, Justine and Sarah welcome Erin Northrup, an international board certified lactation consultant, to discuss the profound impact of birth trauma on breastfeeding and maternal mental health. Erin shares her personal experiences with birth trauma after a cesarean under general anesthesia and separation from her baby who was taken to the NICU, emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of childbirth. The reason for her cesarean turned out, on further investigation after the birth, to be based on a misdiagnosis, confirming the suspicion she highlights in the episode. The conversation explores the importance of recognizing and addressing the emotional needs of mothers during and after birth, as well as the long-term effects of trauma on families. Erin advocates for better support systems and policies that honor the maternal bond and emotional wellbeing of birthing individuals. This conversation delves into the profound impact of birth trauma on breastfeeding experiences, particularly focusing on the emotional and psychological challenges faced by mothers. The speakers discuss the importance of listening to mothers' voices, the interconnectedness of birth experiences and breastfeeding, and the need for advocacy in healthcare. Erin shares her research findings, highlighting the overwhelming response from participants and the emotional weight of their stories of breastfeeding after birth trauma. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of recognizing the complexities of maternal health and the importance of support systems for new parents.

Keywords: birth trauma, breastfeeding, maternal health, postpartum care, lactation consultant, hospital policies, trauma recovery, maternal bonding, cesarean birth story, NICU birth story.

Takeaways

The physical and emotional aspects of childbirth are inseparable.
Many women feel dismissed when expressing emotional distress post-birth.
Hospital policies can hinder maternal-infant bonding immediately after birth.
The experience of separation from the baby can be traumatic.
Maternal mental health is as important as physical health post-birth.
Trauma can ripple through families and affect future generations.
Trust in healthcare can be fractured by lack of listening.
Mothers are experts in their own experiences.
Birth trauma can echo in breastfeeding experiences.
Hospital policies can hinder maternal care and support.
Breastfeeding can serve as a reclamation of control.
Research reveals the depth of shared trauma among mothers.
Emotional pain from birth can resurface during breastfeeding.

Sound Bites

"I need to feed my baby..."
"I was absolutely panicked..."
"Why is nobody listening?"
"I was very determined to breastfeed."
"Everything is connected."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Birth Trauma and Support

02:57 The Interconnectedness of Birth Experiences

05:55 Personal Story of Birth Trauma

08:54 The Impact of Hospital Policies on Birth Experiences

12:04 The Emotional Aftermath of Birth Trauma

15:08 The Long-Term Effects of Birth Trauma

17:47 Finding Strength Through Adversity

21:01 The Importance of Maternal Bonding

23:54 Reflection on Healing

25:58 The Fracture of Trust in Healthcare

28:48 The Impact of Birth Trauma on Maternal Experience

32:58 Research Insights on Birth Trauma and Breastfeeding

38:56 Navigating Personal Trauma Through Research

44:00 The Interconnectedness of Experience and Healing

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

What If You're Feeling Empty During the Holidays?

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:01:00 GMT

Keywords: miscarriage, grief, loss, holidays, grieving rituals, perinatal trauma.

How do we cope with the profound pain of miscarriage and loss during a season often associated with joy and togetherness? Why does the holiday season intensify our grief, and how can we navigate cultural expectations that demand we put on a brave face?

In this heartfelt episode, Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann delve into the deeply personal and often unspoken experience of miscarriage, loss, and trauma, especially as they intersect with the holiday season. Justine opens the conversation with a poignant quote by Zeynep Gurtin, "A moment that changed me: My miscarriages were devastating – but an orca gave me comfort and hope", setting the tone for an in-depth discussion on the unique challenges of grieving during a time traditionally filled with celebration.

They explore why grief feels particularly acute during the holidays and the societal pressures to appear cheerful despite personal sorrow. The discussion highlights the importance of acknowledging and honoring one's loss, the role of rituals in the grieving process, and the often-overlooked grief for the loss of an imagined future.

By addressing losses that are not always recognized by society, Justine and Sarah emphasize the need for supportive spaces where individuals can authentically express their grief. This episode underscores the significance of allowing oneself to fully experience and process grief and the critical role of community and support during such times. At the end Sarah mentions the book Healing Your Grieving Heart After Miscarriage: 100 Practical Ideas for Parents and Families by Alan Wolfelt.

Takeaways

Recognition of Miscarriage:
- Miscarriage is often not acknowledged as a significant loss by society, leaving those affected feeling isolated and unsupported.
Cultural Expectations:
- Societal norms and expectations during the holiday season can place additional stress on those who are grieving, making it harder for them to cope.
The Role of Rituals:
- Rituals can serve as a powerful means to honor loss and facilitate the healing process, providing a sense of structure and solace.
Varied Manifestations of Grief:
- Grief is not limited to the loss of life; it also encompasses lost futures and unfulfilled dreams, which can be equally painful and deserving of recognition.
Importance of Support:
- Support from friends, family, and the community is crucial for those experiencing loss. However, it is often insufficient, highlighting the need for more compassionate and consistent support systems.
Challenges of the Holiday Season:
- Acknowledging the emotional toll of trying to "show up" and participate in holiday festivities while grieving is important for understanding the full impact of loss during this time.
Self-Reflection for Better Support:
- Engaging in self-reflection to understand one's own feelings about loss and grief is vital. This awareness can enhance the ability to provide meaningful support to others, including clients.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Thinking Flexibly About Birth

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 30 May 2024 04:01:00 GMT

While we record Season 2 of the podcast we will be sharing some of our weekly conversations from our Facebook group the Trauma-Informed Perinatal Professionals. In today's Resilient Birth Short we discuss how thinking flexibly about how we give birth can reduce anxiety and what are some the questions we might ask clients to help them still feel how they want to feel even if birth plans have to shift.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

(Rerun) I Just Want to Hold Your Hand

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Wed, 07 May 2025 23:01:00 GMT

In this return episode from Season 1, Sarah shares a quote from James Arthur's song "Finally" that connects to her grief as a parent who has also lost a parent.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops

(Rerun) Defining Birth Trauma

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:01:00 GMT

We are recording Season 3 of the Resilient Birth podcast. Meanwhile we have selected our favorite episodes for you. In this episode, Justine and Sarah debate definitions of birth trauma. Is birth trauma really just any experience of distress in childbirth? Does it occur because we had unrealistic expectations? And what is the impact of other people in the birthing space on the extent to which we experience birth trauma?

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

What If You Can?

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 04:01:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah and Justine explore the value of shifting your mindset in the perinatal period as Sarah was inspired this week by words from a competitive cyclist that helped reconnect her to her power. Justine had some audio issues at the end of the episode, but Sarah managed to bring the recording to a close with such wisdom and grace we did not want you to miss it.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Simone Biles: The Power of Choosing Yourself Over the Noise

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 23:01:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah brings in a quote from Simone Biles in her documentary "Rising." Join us as we find deep connections between Simone's words and the weight of expectations around the identity of motherhood and the narratives that bear down upon women's bodies. We find inspiration in Simone's story and how she said refused to perform for others when that would not be safe for herself.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals

Birth Injuries

Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 04:01:00 GMT

We are excited to announce the first episode of Season 2 of the Resilient Birth Podcast! In this episode Justine speaks about her own experience of suffering a third degree tear with her first child after reading the recent report by the all-party parliamentary group on birth trauma.

Link here to a copy of the report: https://www.theo-clarke.org.uk/sites/www.theo-clarke.org.uk/files/2024-05/Birth%20Trauma%20Inquiry%20Report%20for%20Publication_May13_2024.pdf

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about our course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals