Trauma-Informed Support  

Childbirth can trigger memories of sexual trauma and may provoke fear and dissociative responses in women with SA history. These responses can deeply impact a woman’s pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum experience. Pregnancy might also cause stress and vulnerability that increase a woman’s risk of experiencing violence. As a trauma-informed doula, I understand how emotional, sexual and physical abuse and other forms of trauma can affect women, and I know how to work with survivors to help prevent them from being placed in situations that can re-traumatize them.

Are you worried your trauma will impact your pregnancy and birth journey?

I can help you navigate this time by offering the following modes of support…

  • Practicing mind body modalities like yoga + meditation can re-wire safety in the body. It also offers the space and time to practice breathwork. Trauma can be expelled though brethwork by releasing tension and pent-up energy that has been deeply rootd within your subconsciousness.

  • Within the workbook you’re given, you will find multiple prompts to help work through fears and separate previous experiences from your present. Conscious awareness through daily or weekly journaling can help you to be mindful of thoughts that have been pushed away or disregarded. Organizing your thoughts and writig them down can help you gain clarity and improve focus and concentration.

  • The process of building your birth plan encourages you to anticipate potential interventions and encounters that may trigger memories or provoke fear. I can talk you through each potential intervention that you may face in the hospital to help you determine what you are and aren’t comfortable with.

  • I can send you article and book recommendations to fill the space in between our visits so that you can continue educating and preparing for your informed birth. I will connect you with resources to further learn about the polyvagal theory, the vagus nerve, and your nervous system’s response to trauma. I would encourage your partner to participate in these conversations so that they might understand unprocessed trauma and how it manifests in your relationship.

Although I am here to listen to you, I am not a certified mental health specialist, therapist, or coach. Please see below for support groups, therapists, and other resources in Los Angeles. I am happy to attend these spaces with you or discuss afterwards.

    • Megan Bakva, MSW

    • Ocean Shapiro, MSW

    • Helen Jun, MA

    • Gabriela Ucros, AMFT

    • Lauryn Lucido, LMFT

    • Megan Johnson, PhD

    • Quincee Gideon, PsyD

    • Jennifer Cornett, MA, AMFT

    • Vanessa Garcia, MS, APCC

    • Hannah Hewes-Clark, LCSW

    • Free: Peace Over Violence

    • Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse (Women) hosed by Jennifer Cornett

    • Adult Trauma Recovery Group for Survivors of Abuse, hosted by Savannah Jaouhari

    • Resilient: Women’s Sexual Assault Group, hosted by Caitlyn Budd