Beyond the Bump: Supporting Families with Perinatal Trauma

Supporting Families with Perinatal Trauma and Somatic Strategies for Postpartum Intimacy Challenges

Join us for an in-depth training on navigating challenges in the perinatal period. The first two sessions are designed for mental health professionals, birth workers, and healthcare providers who support individuals navigating trauma in the perinatal period. This event will explore the psychological and physiological impacts of trauma during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum, equipping attendees with evidence-based approaches to assessment, intervention, and treatment. This half-day event is designed for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of trauma’s impact on the perinatal experience and enhance their clinical skills in providing trauma-informed care

The third session is designed for the general public and will explore somatic strategies for improving sexual health for couples. This event will explore common intimacy challenges and participants will be equipped with hands-on somatic tools to improve their intimacy. 

Session Descriptions

Session 1: 9:15 AM – 10:45 AM (1.5 hours)

Trauma and Birth: Supporting Survivors Through Labor & Postpartum

Survivors of sexual assault often face unique mental health challenges during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. This session will provide an overview of the psychological impact of trauma in the perinatal experience and introduce clinical strategies to support both the birthing person and their family. Participants will:

• Identify common mental health challenges faced by survivors during perinatal, labor, and postpartum stages.
• Explore evidence-based clinical interventions for survivors and their support systems.
• Consider appropriate treatment approaches based on differing clinical presentations.

Session 2: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM (1.25 hours)

Perinatal Trauma: Diagnostic & Pharmacological Considerations with Dr. Margo Pumar

Understanding trauma-related diagnoses in the perinatal period is essential for effective treatment. This session will cover diagnostic criteria and best practices for pharmacological management of trauma disorders in perinatal patients. Participants will:

• Learn diagnostic criteria for PTSD, Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), Complex PTSD (CPTSD), and birth trauma.
• Identify the most effective pharmacological treatments for different clinical presentations.
• Discuss unique considerations when prescribing for perinatal patients with trauma histories.

Session 3: 12:30- 2 PM (1.5 hours)

Intimacy Unbounded: Somatic Strategies for Supporting Families with Postpartum Intimacy Challenges by Ruthie Arbit, MA, LICSW & Adena Teitelbaum, Somatic Sexologist

Pregnancy, the postpartum period and parenting can deeply impact intimacy and sexual well-being for individuals and couples. This session will address common sexual challenges and explore therapeutic somatic-based interventions to foster healing and connection. Participants will:

• Identify common intimacy challenges experienced by individuals and couples with trauma histories.
• Learn clinical interventions to support patients and their partners through these challenges.
• Assess and apply appropriate treatment approaches based on individual clinical presentations.

We look forward to learning and growing together!

Participants will receive CEUs from NASW.

This course is open to licensed clinicians, therapists, educators, and professionals working with preschool and elementary age children.

Sliding scale options are avaiable, please reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Info: Welcome, Introductions

Info: Trauma and Birth: Supporting Survivors Through

Info: Perinatal Trauma: Diagnostic & Pharmacological Considerations

Info: Intimacy Unbounded: Somatic Strategies for Supporting Families with Postpartum Intimacy Challenges

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

4405 East-West Hwy, 4405 East-West Highway, Bethesda, United States