Ep 5 - The Trauma of Being Told "Your Baby Has a Disability"

Hello and welcome to episode 5 of Trauma Healing for Postpartum Moms. This episode brings me back to my hospital social worker days where I worked with parents who received the news that their baby or toddler had Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, a genetic syndrome, Autism, and/or a Developmental Delay, to name a few. I loved my work with these incredible parents, but it was heart crushing to see the pain in their eyes. Lucky for me, I often got to see the pain turn into hope and joy as they released the trauma they experienced (with the years and a team effort, as I didn’t offer EMDR Therapy at the time).

 

It's important to recognize that for parents of a child with a disability, survival mode is often the only choice they have. Survival mode paired with confusion, intense emotions, and feelings of grief mixed with total helplessness can be a recipe for trauma to form into the nervous system and the brain. EMDR Therapy can help release those intense sensations so that you can be ok with the cards you were dealt.

 

In this episode, I chat about:

• My experience as a hospital social worker and the resilience I’ve witnessed
• How trauma can develop in parents of a child with a disability
• The painful thoughts that can come visit us as we navigate the difficult (and often confusing) world of disabilities (and how normal they are!)
• How parents of a child with a disability can release their trauma with EMDR Therapy so that they can feel confident in their role and reconnect with their strength – as well as their child’s.

SCHEDULE YOUR EMDR INTENSIVE TODAY!

Limited spots available for this summer. You could get up to 3 months' worth of therapy in 3 days. Most insurance providers will cover the fee in part or in full (confirm that social work services are covered first). Schedule a free call with me

 

Connect with Danik:

• Instagram: @danikhelpsmoms
• Website: www.danikbernier.com
• Schedule a free call with me

 

 

Quote:

“It doesn’t make you a horrible mother to say out loud ‘I wanted a different baby’. This is a painful thought, but it’s there for many. The sooner we can recognize it, the sooner we can release it and enjoy the baby we do have in front of us”.

 

DISCLAIMER

 This podcast is not meant to replace psychotherapy from a licensed mental health professional, does not give medical advice, and does not provide a diagnosis. This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only.