ABSTRACT
Reproductive trauma survivors often feel conflicting emotions, such as self-blame or anger at parts of their experience, while simultaneously feeling joy and gratitude for other parts. For example, a parent who had a traumatic birth or years of infertility challenges may love being a parent while at the same time deeply regret parts of the experiences that led to parenthood. In addition to dealing with complex emotions, some survivors of reproductive trauma will also experience other mental health symptoms. Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is highly comorbid with other Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, such as Postpartum Depression, Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It is quite common for survivors to struggle with a myriad of challenging mood symptoms during what is already a difficult time. Journaling prompts are provided for the reader to explore their own conflicting emotions and moods. The reader is invited to explore what models they have in their community and family to help them cope with their emotions, and how loved ones are now responding to their needs. This builds the stage for Chapter 8 and 9 when support and communication are further discussed. The concept of window of tolerance is introduced, laying the groundwork for future chapters when grounding skills will be taught to manage overwhelming feelings and emotions. The overlap of trauma and grief are explored in more depth here, with discussions of how traumatic grief can be isolating, and as such, a type of disenfranchised grief. Trauma survivors can experience numerous secondary losses, such as the loss of physical abilities and their prior identities, and the reader is prompted to explore their own losses. Various grief models for healing are shared with gentle activities and prompts. Cultural frameworks are posed and throughout the chapter it is highlighted that the reader is learning what they need on their own personal healing journey.
