Talking Birth Trauma with Jen and Emma from Birth Trauma Ottawa

Content Warning: Birth Trauma, Trauma responses, mention of c-section, medical procedures

Jen Gillean and Emma Fernando are the co-facilitators of Birth Trauma Ottawa. After connecting for the first time in 2017 at a birth trauma retreat, it was clear that they shared a similar passion to spread the word, provide resources and support those that had been affected by birth trauma. Hoping to find a way to help others by holding the heartache that comes with the unique experience of living with birth trauma, they created Birth Trauma Ottawa in 2022.  Birth Trauma Ottawa holds space for those struggling to navigate life after and related to birth trauma, loss and/or abortion experiences at any point in their perinatal journey and creates regular connection points for the community related to birth trauma. Here members can share their stories and challenges with peers and be met with compassion and understanding. Today, Jen, Emma and I are going to talk about birth trauma, what it is, what can the aftereffects of birth trauma look like, what help, support in community and treatment can look. If you have experienced birth trauma, you are not alone and there is hope for recovery. 

Highlights:

3:03 - How Jen and Emma met and starting Birth Trauma Ottawa

8:04 - The impact of the pandemic on birth people and traumatic experiences

11:45 - Risk factors to experiencing trauma

15:57 - What is birth trauma?

24:43 - Risk factors to experiencing trauma Pt. 2

26:44 - What is trauma? Nervous system responses

38:36 - What can the aftereffects of birth trauma look like (for example, high anxiety, PMADs, trauma responses, fear of another baby, etc.)

49:22 - What help, support and treatment can look like post birth trauma

59:07 - Support at Birth Trauma Ottawa

 Resources mentioned in this episode: 

You can find Jen and Emma and Birth Trauma Ottawa online at https://mailchi.mp/e46083061ba5/birthtraumaottawa and on Instagram @ birthtraumaottawa

You can find Jen on Instagram @Inthemomentwithjen

You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email [e-mail]

 If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this or any episode please reach out to me at [e-mail] and I can help you find support in your area or online.

Check out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for more information about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders as well as free online support groups and a provider directory. 

You can look for an individual therapist on www.psychologytoday.com . 

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