An all too common experience for women in the United States is that of experiencing a traumatic birth. Some of these traumatic experiences are reflected in our maternal mortality rate which has been steadily climbing for … [Read more...] about Resources for Postpartum PTSD
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When Trauma Gets in the Way of Treating Pelvic or Sexual Pain
If you have pelvic or sexual pain your doctor may have recommended you do pelvic floor physical therapy. Other recommendations may have also included dilator therapy or getting injections or using suppositories. These treatments not only require time, energy and financial resources, but they can also be triggering for those with trauma in their past. Sexual trauma, medical trauma, an abusive … [Read more...] about When Trauma Gets in the Way of Treating Pelvic or Sexual Pain
Understanding the Connection Between Trauma & Sexual/Pelvic Pain
Many studies now support the connection between trauma and the later development of sexual or pelvic pain in women. One population-based study of adult women found that sexual, physical and psychological abuse was linked to a four to six-fold increased risk of genital pain in adulthood (Harlow & Stewart, 2005). Another 2011 study found that teen girls suffering from genital pain reported … [Read more...] about Understanding the Connection Between Trauma & Sexual/Pelvic Pain
A Therapist and fellow Mom’s Guide to your Own Postpartum Registry
For many expectant moms, one common right of passage is developing a baby registry of all items you think you’ll need once baby arrives. If you look at any current articles or discussions online about registry must’s you will see things like carseat, crib, bouncy seat, humidifier, sound machine, maybe even a bottle warmer, the list goes on. Most of these things (minus the bottle warner) are … [Read more...] about A Therapist and fellow Mom’s Guide to your Own Postpartum Registry
10 Facts about Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
1. Postpartum Depression and Anxiety is also know as Perinatal Mood Disorder. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder is the clinical term for postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. Perinatal means the entire timeframe from the beginning of one’s pregnancy up until the first year of parenthood. Regardless of the term you use, medical professionals will know what you are talking about. Perinatal … [Read more...] about 10 Facts about Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Coercive Sexual Experiences
An experience that is not usually represented in sexual assault or sexual violence statistics is the experience of sexual coercion. However, coercive sexual experiences are a type of sexual assault and sexual violence and can cause similar trauma related symptoms. Many women who have coercive sexual experiences struggle with how to label or name what has happened to them. Review the checklist … [Read more...] about Coercive Sexual Experiences