PURPOSE:
This presentation offers maternity professionals practical ways to support mothers, partners, and families in moving beyond birth-related trauma and reclaiming joy, calm, and connection. In the modern world, we urgently need to help mothers heal, as unresolved trauma can lead to low self-image, poor bonding, emotional distress, and even physical health problems. My goal is to share simple tools that empower women to overcome trauma, strengthen emotional resilience, and celebrate milestones like their child’s first birthday feeling confident, connected, and proud.

DISCUSSION:
Unresolved trauma can leave lasting emotional imprints that affect the brain, body, and nervous system, including the vagus nerve. It can interfere with bonding, self-esteem, and future pregnancies, and may contribute to both physical and emotional challenges. Drawing on my experience as a midwife and NLP trainer, I have successfully used these methods for many years with clients facing all kinds of trauma. The session introduces practical, gentle techniques inspired by EMDR principles, NLP, polyvagal theory, and self-havening. These include safe place visualisation, brain spotting, self-havening (a simple self-soothing tool families can use), and mindset exercises to reframe negative thoughts and build inner strength. These approaches help mothers move from distress to calm, disconnection to confidence, and fear to joy.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
The session draws on trauma science published in PubMed and is inspired by the work of Bessel van der Kolk (The Body Keeps the Score), Peter Levine (somatic experiencing), Francine Shapiro (EMDR), Stephen Porges (polyvagal theory), and Robert Dilts' NLP. It reflects over 40 years of midwifery experience, integrating trauma recovery tools into pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care to help women achieve better birth outcomes and feel empowered in their journey.

KEY MESSAGE:
Everyone deserves to heal, be happy, and feel free. Trauma doesn’t define you. Let it become the starting point of a journey toward strength, resilience, and lasting joy. Poster session 4 (Group B)