"Birthing mothers and those who witness birth can be uplifted by her mystery and power, and at the same time, be haunted by profound feelings of confusion, powerlessness or shame about a particular moment. In its many forms, birth trauma is not always apparent. Even when it is, it is often discounted. Beneath our collective covenant of silence, birth trauma is pervasive."

-Pam England, author of Birthing From Within

Telling Your Story

To be heard, to be understood, to have someone acknowledge your pain, your joy, your anger, your triumph, your sorrow is healing. Many of us tell our stories over and over again, hoping for some kind of resolution. Whether your birth was traumatic or perfect, telling your story and hearing the stories of others is a way to honor the force of birth and life itself, reintegrating your new "mother-self" into the world. Birth warrior, you have walked the difficult path. We welcome you home.

Healing Birth Wounds

Many warriors return home with wounds, sometimes even scars. Using visualization and journaling or art, your circle leader will help you heal your birth wounds. Whether new or old, birth wounds can heal, preparing the way for healing in other ways, in your parenting, relationships and work.

Especially for Birth Professionals

Some birth story circles are especially for birth professionals (doulas, nurses, midwives, etc.), healing birth wounds sustained either at births experienced as a mother, or as a birth professional. As birth workers, the scars we carry from our own births or from those we have attended can change the way we view future births, and our work with birthing women. They can even weigh down or hamper our view of childbirth, leading to burnout or disillusionment. Circles for birth professionals will be marked as such on the schedule.

Last updated April, 2007