Birth Debriefing Services: Journey to Clarity and Healing
As a doula and counsellor, I routinely meet with expats and local families at least once after labour and birth for a birth debriefing session. We review the events of the birth, discuss the mother’s and partner’s experiences, and build a clear timeline of what happened.
Having been present at many births, I can connect the facts without taking sides, while the final interpretation remains the woman's own. I am always surprised by how each person recalls the birth experience differently and how deeply their emotions and feelings run. These conversations help both partners arrive at their own understanding of the experience. My background as a Perinatal Coach equips me with a deep understanding of birth physiology and how surroundings affect labour, and my specialisation as a trauma-informed perinatal counsellor allows me to guide you in the deep exploration of the range of feelings that surface during childbirth, in a way that keeps you safe and validates the perception of how a woman has experienced birth.
Healing needs active participation
Exploring the Benefits of a Birth Debrief
As a professional specialising in perinatal support, my approach as a counsellor differs from my doula role. Drawing on my work supporting many families throughout the prenatal and postnatal period and working collaboratively with midwifery practice and in hospital settings, I help you decipher your medical note records to understand why certain decisions were made. Whether you gave birth to your baby in Amsterdam, Spain or elsewhere, I provide clear explanations to help make sense of the Spanish or Dutch birth culture.
I create a space where couples feel safe following the birth. My extensive experience with birth trauma and traumatic stress reassures them that their distress is real and that their bodies were simply protecting them. I also explain complex decisions in everyday language, which helps reduce anxiety during a confusing time.
A Space for Honest Discussion
During a debrief session, I aim to make sure the mother feels fully supported as she expresses her feelings, asks all the questions and gains access to any repressed memories. Facing the reality that the birth of your child, a moment often deeply anticipated during pregnancy and that involves a lot of preparation and expectations, can lead to a deeply emotionally charged event that can sometimes lead to feelings of loss, grief, or fear is challenging. Many parents find that sharing their story in a safe environment helps ease the shock between their aspirations and their birthing reality.
Often, couples benefit from learning how trauma affects both mental health and the body. Recognising the impact of these physical and emotional reactions helps you begin to reclaim control by:
Moving what was once unconscious into conscious awareness.
Integrating the experience so you can heal and move forward.
Restoring the connection between your mind and body.
Enhancing Communication and Emotional Well-Being
A birth reflection is also very helpful if you find it difficult to talk about the birth with your partner. Having a professional to help share and validate each side as they speak can remove obstacles. I work to ensure that everyone feels heard as you piece together your journey, thereby reducing anger or depression and easing emotional strain.
Since trauma-informed care focuses on the physical and emotional well-being, I can help guide you through managing its effects or provide referrals to a network of trusted body workers. This extra layer of care ensures that your recovery is the priority.
No matter what has led you to book a session, my online and in-person services offer a secure environment. Your health and confidence remain the top priority as we work together to build clarity for your ongoing parenting journey.
