Support for Trauma Survivors
Sometimes, pregnancy and parenting can bring up unwanted feelings and memories of past trauma. If this is happening to you, you are not alone.
Whether you identify as a survivor or not, I take extra care to create a safe and empowering space for you. Any time we work together, we will use a strengths-based approach and put your needs first.
The SMC Program
The Survivor Moms’ Companion**, or SMC, offers extra support to anyone coping with the effects of trauma during pregnancy or with a new baby.
The program includes a workbook that you work on with a mentor, one chapter at a time.
Each chapter covers a different topic and helps you practice new skills. The program can teach you to manage triggers that remind you of past trauma, ride out intense emotions better, and have better relationships with your care team and your baby.
**Important note about language**
I celebrate and welcome the experiences of all people navigating the parenthood journey. The SMC was developed by an organization called Growing Forward Together. Please note that while the program is called "Survivor Moms' Companion", the SMC is open to all pregnant and parenting people.
As written in a letter to transgender and nonbinary parents by another SMC tutor, Corinne Westing, CNM: "I have been grateful to be in conversation with the SMC developers about how to address this need for inclusion of transgender and non-binary experience into the program. This letter is a step toward being inclusive ... and making SMC a trans-affirming tool for people of all gender identities. Additionally, this letter serves as an invitation to you to make use of the SMC, and a hope that you will find it relevant for your trauma-related needs, even if the written language within it does not appear to speak to you directly."
To read the full letter, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SMC
Explore these FAQs and other information on the SMC website and the Fitting Room.
If you have a question that isn't listed here, please feel free to contact me.
Is the SMC for me?
The SMC is open to parents and parents-to-be who feel affected by past abuse or neglect. The Fitting Room may help you decide if it's right for you at this time. You can also book a free consultation to talk about if it's a good fit for you.
Will I have to read a lot?
Each workbook chapter will probably take you about an hour. When you’re done, we will review the chapter together over a call for about 30 minutes. There are 10 chapters in the SMC, but you don’t have to do them all.
Is the SMC therapy or counseling?
Great question! It is NOT therapy or counseling. It's like a class where you get information and learn skills. If you have a counselor though, they might help with the SMC too.
Can I do the SMC program online?
Yes! Currently, our organization is only offering the SMC meetings online or over the phone. You can print out the workbook or read it online.
Do I have to talk about the trauma?
No. You do NOT have to talk about the trauma. The focus of the SMC is on skills and information you need now.
How can I sign up for the SMC?
Book a free consultation to learn more about the SMC, discuss pricing options, and see if it's a good fit for you.
Consent and Lactation Support
Your bodily autonomy matters. Below are some notes about how I approach lactation counseling for all clients, not just those who have experienced trauma.
Touch
I will always obtain consent before touching your body or baby.
Sometimes, to understand what may be causing your breast/chestfeeding challenges, it may be helpful for me to perform a manual breast/chest exam or feel inside your baby’s mouth. Examples of when this might be useful include:
If your baby is showing signs of a tongue tie or thrush
If you are showing signs of a possible clogged duct
If you would like to me to show you how to hand express milk
Your “no” means no. If you or your baby are uncomfortable with any type of touch, I will always respect your choice and we will decide what to do next together.
If you consent to a manual exam, I will examine your baby or your chest while you are sitting upright. I will clearly explain what I am doing and what I find. I will wear gloves to protect you and your baby.
You are welcome to ask me any questions before, during, or after the exam.
Undressing
I will never require that you uncover yourself beyond your level of comfort.
During a prenatal visit, reasons for removing your top might include wanting an exterior exam (for example, for inverted nipples or examining breast/chest shape) or learning how to hand express milk using your own chest. However, this is not required in the prenatal visit if you do not wish to include it.
During postnatal visits, it is often helpful to view a breast/chestfeeding or pumping session to figure out what is creating difficulties for you. For example, it is helpful for me to see your baby's latch or behavior while nursing. If you are not comfortable with this during the time of your appointment, we can discuss other options or reschedule for a later date.
Privacy
Your privacy is important to me.
I will do everything in my power to keep your information and records confidential.
I use HIPAA-regulated systems for communicating with clients and storing documents. If you would like me to share your records with an outside health care provider, I will ask you to fill out and sign a Release of Information document. I will never share your information with another care provider without your explicit permission.
Occasionally, it may be helpful to take a photo or video during our session together. For example, sometimes clients like to see "before and after" photos of their baby's latch, or want photos of feeding positions so they can remember. I will only take a photo or video of you if I have your permission. If you consent to storing your photos or videos for our future reference, they will be stored in your secure, HIPAA-compliant folder. If not, they will be deleted immediately. If you would like me to share your photos/videos with another person, I will ask you to fill out and sign a Release of Information document. I will never share your photos/videos with another person without your explicit permission.
Triggers
If there is anything I can do to reduce possible triggers or reminders of past trauma during your appointment, please let me know.
You do not need to disclose any details of your trauma with me if you do not choose to.