You're not alone if your birth wasn't so zen
You're not alone if your birth wasn't so zen
Wondering what on earth just happened to you and where to even start? You don't need another pamphlet with a lotus flower and being told that "all that matters is a healthy baby"... you need validation & practical coping tools. 1 in 3 people will experience a traumatic birth.
overwhelming, scary,
'wtf was that?' type birth experience?
Get strategies
You CAN thrive in spite of a less than ideal birth
Trauma can be your biggest teacher
More than a heathy baby- Coping with birth trauma
Need to get your head around what birth trauma is exactly? Want to have a little stalk into what a Psychologist might offer? Want to know what tools I used to cope with my own two traumatic births? Want to know what tools other parents have used to find strength and growth? This course is not therapy. It’s not a replacement for being responsible for your own healing and trauma work., but it's a great starting point. This is the course I designed to complement my book, More Than a Healthy Baby. It includes my best handful of tools I've been teaching as a psychologist for over 12 years.
Ready to feel better?
Welcome to
Birth isn't supposed to be like this
Birth isn't supposed to be like this...
and yet, 1 in 3 women feel...
01
Shocked, overwhelmed, disappointed, fearful, angry...or even numb after birth
02
Like people are completely dismissive of birth as a traumatic experience
03
Angry at the patriarchal birthing systems that let families and the people who care for them down
04
Like nobody gets it. The rollercoaster of emotions, the injuries (physical and/or emotional), the lack of support
What counts as birth trauma?
This is hands down the most common question I get asked! The answer is simple - a birth is traumatic if you say it is. It may include physical injury, or you might have 'invisible' injuries. Forget what everyone else thinks, what do YOU feel?
I've been there
Two traumatic births that changed my life
After my second birth - a 5.0kg (11.3) baby with severe shoulder dystocia, I was *mostly* OK, but in researching support options I found very little. Two weeks post partum I felt the nudge to rock the system, so my career path changed a little.
i did hypnobirthing, i had a doula, i did all the things...yet i still had two traumatic births...and i'm A psychologist! Trauma doesn't discriminate
What you’re feeling is justified. You’re not weak or too sensitive. Struggling to cope is a gap in skills training (and is reflective of our broken systems), it’s NOT a personal failing.
more than a healthy baby - coping with birth trauma
introducing...
Gain an introduction to me, my births, and birth trauma. Everything you need to know in an easy to digest set of videos that you can also show your partner, family and anyone else who doesn't seem to get what you're experiencing. We talk about the mind-body connection, growth and strength finding.
I'll SHOW you a handful of evidence-based tools I've been teaching for over a decade, plus introduce you to some exercises I've personally found really helpful. Strategies like Radical Allowing, breathing tools, EFT, therapeutic writing and more! All things you can teach yourself in short bursts.
Here's What You'll Learn
Info & Education
Practical Coping Tools
section ONE
section two
Some bonus tools!
A quick, guided meditation and a birth trauma affirmations track
Affirmations & Meditation
bonus
I'll give you an overview of the pros and cons of some of the most common, evidence-based approaches for treating and supporting trauma. I also cover a brief overview of some holistic support options to incorporate a mind-body approach to trauma.
I'll also give you some suggestions for how to find the right support, & questions to ask your provider.
Further Options & Support
section Three
LET'S BREAK it DOWN
Validated, seen & understood that birth trauma is real
How does this sound?
Reassured that there are amazing tools to help you cope
01
02
you're about to feel
Inspired that strength & phenomenal growth can come from adversity (in your own time)
03
Supported to know you're not alone. That 1 in 3 women experience a traumatic birth
04
Capable, knowing that you'll learn tools to pass on to your own family
05
Yes, I'm in!
This course is beautiful, hopeful, bright and bold. I'm just myself - a sleep deprived Mum, who happens to be a clinical psychologist. I swear, I laugh. I teach you that doing work on your trauma doesn’t have to be heavy. You can do it while sitting on your couch in your pjs. I would love to show you that you're not broken. That the strongest, most beautifully resilient version of yourself is yet to come.
Trauma work doesn't have to be all dark and shadow
You're in the right place.
Get the book that the course comes from. A perfect way to support your learning. Available in paperback or e-book versions. Also makes a thoughtful gift for someone you know who may be struggling, or would like to learn more about birth trauma and posttraumatic growth.
More Than a Healthy Baby: The Book
matching book
“ the strongest, most beautifully resilient version of yourself is yet to come”
Have 6+ practical tools you can use to cope (with anything life throws at you)
Understand the difference between 'big T' trauma & 'little T' trauma & trauma as a continuum.
Develop self-compassion & begin to see that you did the best you could in birth
Have an appreciation for the incredible growth that can (with time) come from trauma.
Align your thoughts, words and behaviours to create the strength & growth.
Have something to show your partner, family & anyone else who doesn't 'get it'
By the end of this, you will...
Enrol Now
I'm Doctor Erin Bowe
Clinical Psychologist, Author, Business Mentor, Course Creator, Educator, Supervisor, Podcaster, Mum (to tiny humans, dogs & chicken divas). Slight Overachiever. brought good chocolate...
Hello there!
Where there is an ability...
there is a responsibility. I couldn't just rest on my laurels knowing that I have professional, practical knowledge that other people would benefit from. Especially at 3AM when you're clutching a phone looking for something to help. While this course is not therapy, and I am obviously a big fan of therapy...
Not everyone needs, wants or has access to their own personal psychologist. There are tools I have taught and have continued to use myself that I know are so helpful. This course, in addition to my book of the same name is the perfect starting point when you're not sure what you need.
i didn't want to be the poster girl for birth trauma
This course is unique because...
I have 12+ years of professional experience
Supporting families through trauma to find growth, strength and beautiful resilience they never knew possible. I now have 3 birth trauma specific courses and teach students in over 40 countries.
I previously taught childbirth education with Hypnobirthing Australia and have written and provided expert comment for the Sydney Morning Herald, Kidspot, Essential Baby, Essential Kids and others. In 2020 I was a finalist in 2 categories for the AusMumpreneur Awards for my birth trauma work.
I also have the lived, personal experience of two traumatic briths of my own
It's a sweet photo above, but make no mistake this birth to this gigantic 5.0kg meatloaf child was no walk in the park (and I'd already had a previous traumatic birth). When I'm teaching you about trauma and posttraumatic growth, I'm speaking direct from the source. I’ve used these experiences as a conduit for personal growth and strength. I wanted the tools that helped me to be as accessible as possible. I believe that trauma can actually be your biggest teacher. It might not feel like it now, but having survived this experience has the potential to really transform you. To see just how strong and capable you are. No pom-pom shaking, no cliches, just good tools and a LOT of validation and kindness.
A tool kit to cope. At anytime of day or night
No more bleary-eyed Google searches in the middle of the night. The right amount of evidence-based information & education on coping with a traumatic birth is right here. You can stop/start at any section & go at your own pace.
Understand just how common this experience is
Feel confident with a tool kit of practical things that help
Learn to see trauma as your biggest teacher & be WAY more kind to yourself
Know that you can pass on the tools you learn to your own family, friends & colleagues
Join a community of people who refuse to settle for "this is just the way birth is..."
Feel so proud of yourself for investing in your own personal growth (& being a great role model)
Invest in yourself, knowing you can learn to cope
Enrol Now
This is for you if:
You understand this isn't therapy
You're looking for direct support or therapy
YOur basic needs (food, sleep, safety etc) are met
YOUr trauma needs are complex
you're Able & willing to work on yourself
It's probably not for you if...
YOU'RE experiencing acute crisis
When does the course start/finish?
The course is evergreen so you can enrol at anytime and learn at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the course take?
The total video content is just over 4 hours. With reading, exercises & time to reflect, it's about 8 hours all up.
Can I take this course if I'm in therapy or similar?
Please check with your health provider if you're not sure as I can't personally assess each student
Will I ever feel better?
YES! With compassion. My motto is you don't get "over" trauma, but you can get through it. My traumas still impact me, but they are manageable
What's the difference between the course & your book?
The course complements the book by being able to SHOW you what I mean in addition to just telling you
I can't access my course, forgot my login or have a support question
See the FAQ for support HERE
Can I book you for a birth debrief or counselling?
My counselling books are currently closed. Occasionally I have availability. I can also recommend others. Reach out
Where do I start if I think I need 1:1 support?
Start with your GP (physician or family doctor). Anyone you felt comfortable/safe with during pregnancy/birth/postpartum is also a good start :)
170+
18
6
4.46
Free Birth Trauma Resources
I have 6+ years of birth trauma content that I've created - blogs, interviews, videos with tips and more. Every year Birth Trauma Awareness Week rolls around it occurs to me that I should list them all in one place!
So whether you are a parent looking for some info and strategies or a birth worker or perinatal professional, you'll likely find something useful here.
I've you've read through the FAQ and still have questions, feel free to contact me. I work 2 days a week, so will aim to answer my inbox on those days. If you're under the care of a health provider, make sure you check in with them if you're not sure about the suitability/timing of the course.
Still on the fence?
