Why This Topic Matters:
The benefits of breastfeeding are well known. Less known is how pervasive and long-lasting the effects of sexual abuse can be for survivors. As many as 1 in 6 women are survivors of rape or attempted rape and 1 in 3 girls are survivors of child sexual abuse.
Description:
We know that most moms state that they want to at least “try” breastfeeding. And yet everyone knows moms for whom breastfeeding “didn’t work”. Informed care can often mean the difference between sticking with breastfeeding and deciding against it. Unfortunately, even well-intended support during the early, crucial days of breastfeeding can be triggering. Providers who deal with new families must have a working knowledge of sexual abuse as well as a trauma-informed approach in order to most effectively support a mom who wants to breastfeed.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the prevalence and risk factors for sexual abuse;
2. Recognize how (red flags) and why a history of sexual abuse can surface for women during breastfeeding;
3. Learn trauma-informed tools to more sensitively support women who want to breastfeed and also those who are unsure.
Why This Topic Matters:
Everyone wants a healthy birth. At the same time, as many as 1 in 3 women are survivors of contact sexual abuse, the long-term health and wellness implications of which are not well-known and are often misunderstood.
Description:
In addition to health and wellness issues, trauma survivors are also more likely to have socio-emotional challenges which can impact and hinder the good care providers strive to deliver. Healthcare and medical professionals who deal with new families must have a working knowledge of sexual abuse as well as choose a trauma-informed approach in order to effectively support pregnant people.
In this training, participants will learn the facts of sexual abuse and how a trauma history can surface in the childbirth process. We will discuss trust-building strategies, mistakes to avoid and practical tools to support all families in a sensitive way.
Learning Objectives:
1) Understand the facts of abuse including prevalence and risk factors;
2) Learn how and why a patient’s trauma history can surface during the vulnerable time of childbirth by recognizing relevant red flags;
3) Define a trauma-informed approach and identify appropriate strategies to more sensitively and effectively support patients.
“Our obstetrics and gynecology department at Duke was very fortunate to invite Elizabeth to give a talk regarding trauma-informed care. As health care providers, having the knowledge of how to navigate these past experiences and give our patients the kindest care possible is so important. Elizabeth started this conversation and gave us practical tools and advice to improve the care we provide, knowing that everyone has experienced some degree of trauma. Her talks are engaging and insightful and she has unique training that will improve the patient experience. Our audience was grateful for her thoughtful talk and expertise.”