Traumatic Pregnancy and Mental Health

Pregnancy and birth are profound life experiences, but for many individuals, they can also be fraught with trauma and loss. This course delves into the complexities of traumatic pregnancy experiences, including infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, and traumatic birthing experiences. Through a trauma-informed lens, we explore the profound impact of these experiences on perinatal mental health, as well as strategies for providing compassionate support to those navigating trauma during pregnancy and beyond.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding Trauma in Pregnancy: Learn how traumatic pregnancy experiences, such as infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, and traumatic birthing experiences, can impact perinatal mental health and contribute to conditions like PTSD.

2. Addressing Reproductive Health Trauma: Identify the impact of sexual assault, incest, and childhood trauma on reproductive health, and explore trauma-informed approaches to supporting individuals affected by these experiences.

3. Trauma-Informed Practices: Explore trauma-informed practices for supporting individuals navigating traumatic pregnancy experiences, including strategies for creating safe and supportive environments, fostering trust, and promoting healing and resilience.

Course admission requirements:

Minimum of a Master's Degree in a mental health or related field; or be a student in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field. In Low- and Middle-Income Countries, a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field is required.

MEET THE PRESENTER

Erin Fanshier, LCSW 

Erin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has worked for years in the domestic violence and sexual assault community. Erin enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages, and helping families heal after abuse and trauma. Erin also enjoys working with parents and expecting parents to help their children heal, and learning to parent after experiencing abuse, trauma, and childhood abuse. Her approach comes from an Attachment, Psychodynamic, and somatic lens. She leans toward somatic approaches in therapy and believes in working with trauma from a “bottom-up” approach, working on grounding to help you feel safe in your body and in the world. Erin has specialized in working with survivors of trauma who have difficulty feeling connected with their bodies.