There is no shock that childbirth can be traumatic for someone who has not been sexually assaulted or abused. But what about if they have? It might seem obvious that when a survivor of sexual abuse feels pain in their vagina, anus, mouth etc., caused by something strange or foreign being inserted it might trigger unpleasant memories. What isn’t immediately obvious is the ways that healthcare providers don’t prepare you for the unexpected emotions related to birth. It’s almost like they expect you to know everything. There are approaches to childbirth that are helpful to survivors of sexual assault. Not just that, but it is common for pregnancy and birth to trigger memories and emotions of sexual abuse. As doulas, perhaps we can adopt trauma-informed care methods that allow us to support the whole person with collaboration, choice, control, cultural relevance, empowerment and physical and emotional safety. This would mean making adjustments to the way you work with survivors. Acknowledging the challenges that arise from sexual trauma as well as offering coping skills that may help through childbirth. #doula #doulas #birthdoula #birthdoulas #blackbirthdoula #blackbirthdoulas #blackdoula #blackdoulas #blackdoulasmatter #blackmamasmatter #atlantadoula #atlantadoulas #blackatlantadoula #blackatlantadoulas #birthwork #birthworkers #birthsupport #blackatldoula #blackatldoulas #atlantapostpartumdoula #atlantapostpartumdoulas #hireadoula #doulaoncall #plussize #plussizeandpregnant #plussizepregnancy #plussizepregnant #virtualdoula #plussizedoula (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAqLUpxAYKH/?igshid=oefkjseza8tu