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Birth Trauma debriefing for professionals

Sitting on Couch

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is unfortunately a common occurrence for anyone who attends a birth or works with people during their postpartum period. This can steam from both Secondary - trauma (the emotional duress that results when an individual witness' or hears about the firsthand trauma experiences of another person) and Vicarious trauma (the accruing effect of being exposed to someone else’s trauma — trauma that you have not personally experienced, but you’ve learned about from others, such as work related traumas from clients birth stories and experiences). 

Having witnessed a traumatic event can leave you  hurt, guilty and your brain consistently occupied with trauma. Birth workers can be left with lasting impacts after being present at a birth in which the outcome was undesirable. 
Compassion fatigue, or secondary traumatic stress disorder 
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After my traumatic birth with my first born I began my own healing journey. 
Certifications for debriefing supports include

Birth Story Debriefing with Dancy Perinatal
Sacred Story Keeping with Jennifer Summerfedlt
Trauma Yoga Teacher
Birthing From Within Birth Mentor

Sessions are offered in person, or virtually. Some people feel better after one session, and others prefer to get together a few times. The sessions run 60-90 minutes of uninterrupted time. Due to the sensitivity and boundaries within time, it is best if child care is organized. If this is not an option, please be sure to mention it so we can make these sessions safe and accommodating if possible.

I acknowledge, as a third- generation settler with mixed ancestry from Bukovina, Ukraine, and Ireland, and that my practice is situated on Stolen Land, which is within Treaty 6 territory, in amiskwacîwâskahikan ( ᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ Beaver Hills House in Cree); ti oda, (Many Houses as per Nakota Sioux); and Amakowsis, or omahkoyis (Big Lodge from Niisitapi). I understand it is also possible that the fort was known by other names as well, in languages which have yet to be revitalized, but is most recently referred to as Edmonton, AB. This land is the traditional lands of the First Nations, including nêhiyaw, Cree, Dené, Anishinaabe Saulteaux, Nakota Isga Nakota Sioux, and Niitsitapi Blackfoot peoples, the Métis’ homeland and the home of one of the largest communities of Inuit, South of the 60th parallel.

 

For these Nations, intuitive and inner wisdom always was, and still is deeply rooted in their birthing practice shared by their Knowledge Keepers and Elders. Much of the education here in the Western world of Birth Work is stolen and sold to people such as myself, from Indigenous people all over Turtle Island and other parts of the world. This is why I will continue to fight alongside Indigenous communities for Peace, Justice, and Sovereignty. I offer services at low or no price to First Nations people, as well as continue to donate time and money to causes which bring injustices to the First Nations, Indigenous, Inuit and Métis people. I welcome any and all support and feedback to do better at this time.

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I call upon the Canadian Gov't to continue to work with the 94 call to Reconciliation and will continue to personally do my best work towards being a better ally and care taker of this land, while committing to support the agency and autonomy of Indigenous peoples in revitalizing and participating in traditional, contemporary, and future manifestations of their heritage and culture.

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I strive to offer a family practice, inclusive of all people, with equity, inclusion and diversity offered and honoured. These priorities include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, and national origin. As an act of reconciliation, I will continue to work towards creating inclusion, equity and diversity within my Birth Work.


If you identify as a member of a marginalized community and/or the prices I have offered publicly are not accessible for you, please let me offer you an appropriate exchange of services/fee for the services I offer, with the above acknowledged as a way to thank you..

@grow.gentlekind

ashayogaandwellness@gmail.com

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Edmonton, Treaty 6 territory amiskwacîwâskahikan

AB, Turtle Island / Canada

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©2024 BY Asha Thomas.

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