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Misdiagnosed symptoms. Missed signs silenced by shame, guilt, or fear. When safety isn’t prioritized in clinical environments, the consequences can be profound. This is one woman's struggle with postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

“I was confused, after all, it is a very weird feeling being so grateful yet so utterly pissed off and sad.”

“I remember crying, feeling like a part of me had been taken away. My ability to have more children and a part of what made me a woman was gone. But I was alive, and at least I have had the opportunity to heal from this and watch my son grow up. …If I had to do this all over again to have him, I would.” The loss of fertility is…a loss. Allowing for grief is an important part of healing.

No patient’s pain should ever be dismissed. Amber’s story is one of immense strength, endurance of unimaginable pain, and the lasting impact of two traumatic births. 💡 When providers adopt trauma-informed care practices, it has the power to change lives—starting with your next patient.

It may come to a surprise to many, but a negative subjective experience of childbirth is one of the strongest predictors for postpartum PTSD. So many of the women we work with describe having a feeling of powerlessness and loss of autonomy… the feeling that nobody in the room is listening or cares.

J's story demonstrates the importance of understanding individuals in their cultural context and the need for transparent and meaningful conversation especially in times of crisis. Her words implore us to “imagine, for a moment, being a rape survivor who has been tied down to a bed, naked or nearly naked.” Perspective-taking is an essential skill in implementing trauma-informed care.

There will be grief….. Does there need to be trauma too? The NICU is perhaps one of the scariest places for any parent. In R’s story, we experience one mother’s agony and incredible love and resilience. R’s narrative also illustrates how a lack of sensitivity and compassionate care added additional trauma to her grief.

Obstetric trauma affects more than just the patient. When Margaret’s daughter went into labor, what started as a routine delivery turned into a life-threatening emergency in seconds. The aftermath left Margaret and her family feeling not only traumatized but also dismissed by hospital administrators.

Did you know that up to 44% of women report their birth experience to be traumatic? Sophie's story implores us to consider how small changes can make a powerful difference in how birthing people experience giving birth during and after the fact.

Kailee is a rape survivor. She is also a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor issues. This story, written entirely by the patient, is incredibly positive and teaches us that with the right preparation survivors can have a positive and healing experience during childbirth.

Does anyone really understand? How could anyone possibly understand? This is a whisper, an urging, a challenge, a cry that I hear often from parents who have lost their child. When you lose your child, you lose yourself a little bit. This is Xenia’s Story, in her own words.

Pregnancy and Antepartum life is the most difficult thing I’ve ever experienced. But I’m alive. Because someone asked. ​ Faith's story teaches us about a new mother's desperation, resilience, and hope. It is a reminder to consider the "why" behind a patient's feelings, questions, and words in order to give them the best possible care.

Providers speak of “pain” during cesarean delivery. The patient speaks of “suffering.” Learning to see things from someone else’s perspective is the first step towards more supportive, holistic, trauma-informed care.