One of the worst aspects of abuse or neglect is that even when it’s over, it’s not over.

1 in 3 women will suffer from physical, sexual violence or stalking in their lifetime. 4 out of 5 women will have children. That’s a lot of pregnant survivors and survivor moms out there. But what about the women who cannot have children, due in part perhaps to that abuse or neglect? Their lives matter too, even if those are exact numbers we don’t have.

Penny Simkin and I in February 2015

Last summer I was certified by Penny Simkin and Phyllis Klaus to be an educator of their landmark program, When Survivors Give Birth. (If you aren’t familiar with this landmark book, click here for a brief video featuring co-author and DONA co-founder Penny Simkin.) As someone who has worked with survivors of violence for over seven years, I’m so excited to be able to offer their program locally, here in Durham next month.

My offering of When Survivors Give Birth will be targeted to birth workers: doulas, midwives, childbirth educators. The content will expand beyond the impact of childhood sexual abuse and by including a broader look at intimate partner violence and rape.

Participants will learn about how adverse childhood experiences like abuse, even decades after the fact, can continue to haunt the survivor and what a care provider can do for a woman, even if she has not disclosed a history of abuse. We’ll discuss triggers and themes, the power of active listening and vicarious trauma. And much more! If you are a birth worker of any kind, you won’t want to miss this unique, powerful learning experience. This program is also approved for 7.5 DONA CEUs.

Join me Monday January for a free preview webinar to learn more. Or click here to register for the February 7 or February 13 sessions. Questions, let me know that too. Contact me by leaving a comment below (always anonymous) or by calling me at Outside The Mom Box office: 919 237 2370.