Resilient Birth

Resilient Birth

By Justine Leach and Sarah AdelmannEducationParentingKids & FamilyHow To
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Resilient Birth episodes

  • When "Fit To Practice" Feels Unsafe

    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

        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 and is currently doing a Masters in Counselling.

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

        28 min
      • Honoring Maila: A Mother's Story with Helena Morais

        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

            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 and is currently doing a Masters in Counselling.

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

            37 min
          • My body will not forget this

            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.

            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 and is currently doing a Masters in Counselling.

            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

                 

                 

                30 min
              • (Rerun) Breastfeeding After Birth Trauma with Erin Northrup

                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

                    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.

                    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 

                    46 min
                  • (Rerun) Finding Our Way Home

                    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.

                    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.

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

                    34 min
                  • (Rerun) Defining Birth Trauma

                    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?

                    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.

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

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

                    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.

                    44 min
                  • (Rerun) Holding Space for Trauma with Kristi Field

                    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

                    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.

                    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

                    49 min
                  • (Rerun) The Warmth of Being: Introducing Max

                    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.

                    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

                         

                        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

                        29 min
                      • (Rerun) Failure to Thrive Feels Like Failure to Parent

                        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."

                        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.

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

                        43 min

                      About Resilient Birth

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                      Conversations about trauma in the perinatal period