After a conference I led on trauma and the birth and breastfeeding experience, a doctor came up to me and pulled me aside. He thanked me for the training and said, "I think I have hurt so many people." It was a brave and powerful statement. I told him that, and that now that he knows more and better, he can do more and better. Trauma is always at the forefront of my mind. Having done trauma training locally and nationally my entire adult life, I am always thinking about how to create trauma-informed spaces. To me, trauma training is an absolute passion! Where else can you create ripples that effect change for many, many people? Below are offerings to help you create a more trauma-informed practice, and to operate in a way that is safer for all people regardless of if they disclose trauma history. Trainings are customized for OBGYN doctors, L&D nurses, midwives, doulas, lactation professionals, fertility providers, birth photographers, and others who work with birthing and parenting people. Additionally, Trauma-Informed Lens Yoga offers training for yoga instructors and studios to operate in a trauma-informed way in ALL their public and private classes. Please reach out for more information on these and other trainings. 

Trauma-Informed Lens for the Doctor/Nurse/Midwife

This training is completed as a 3-4 hour 1-day training, or an intensive in a full day, retreat style training. This training aims to provide medical providers with the basic knowledge of what constitutes trauma, effects of trauma, and how survivors may carry trauma history or birth or fertility trauma history into their current pregnancy and birth. Participants will be led through practical and simple shifts in word choice, actions, protocol and demeanor that can create safer and more supportive spaces for patients who have survived trauma. We will focus on a "best practices" approach, with the idea that you will take what works for you to make small changes with big impact. The full day training will also focus on self care for the medical provider. Self care is critical if we are to show up wholly for trauma patients. Additionally, trainings may be held in a virtual setting where needed or desired. 

Trauma-Informed Lens Birthwork 

This training aims to arm doulas and other birth workers with the practical and hands on tools to better serve clients with trauma or birth trauma history. We will move through the basics of what is trauma, how trauma effects people, and how trauma is carried into the prenatal and birth setting. Birth workers will learn and practice shifts in word choice, touch and physical comfort measures, setting, demeanor and advocacy for clients with trauma history. The goal at the end of this training is to have a comprehensive understanding of how to "wear a trauma-informed lens" with all clients regardless of shared trauma. Training is offered in person and virtually. Please reach out to learn about upcoming trainings or to host a training. 

Trauma-Informed Lens Birthwork Mentorship 

The mentorship is a personal approach to deepening your work to creating more trauma-informed care in your practice. The hope is that you will sink into the idea of wearing your "trauma-informed lens" and building a safer and more supportive practice for all of your clients. Mentorship is appropriate for new and seasoned doulas. 
Included in mentorship: 
  • 4 months of learning and support with option to add on month to month 
  • 1 75-min group call per month to review learning and clients 
  • Ability to email/call with questions and for more support 
  • Practical information for your current clients 
  • Support in creating nourishing self care to continue doing this work with an open heart and mind 
  • Access to 1 virtual or in person Trauma-Informed Lens Birthwork Training or recording of training 
  • Inclusion on national referral list of birth workers who have trained in TILB 
  • Ability to use TILB icon on your website and marketing materials 
*Mentorship is limited in order to provide dedicated support and care to each participant 
I am so glad you are considering trauma-informed lens training! I have spent the last 20+ (TWENTY!!) years in advocacy and training on a professional and volunteer basis. To say it is a passion of mine is not enough. I truly love sharing what I know both professionally having worked with survivors, and personally as a trauma survivor, in order to effect change on a larger scale. I began my training work in college, working with our Take Back the Night programs every spring. I now sit on the Take Back the Night Foundation Board! I worked locally at our community domestic violence and sexual assault centers training in the school systems across Chester and Delaware Counties. I then moved into training on a national level with Security on Campus (Now the Clery Center for Security on Campus). I was lucky enough to be asked to sit on a White House Roundtable for anti-violence against women and children, and I helped to co-write the update to the Campus Sexual Assault Victims' Bill of Rights (which I still provide support for through Safety Advisors for Educational Campuses, LLC). I have trained countless campus law enforcement and other campus officials, and advocated on behalf of survivors. I co-created Trauma-Informed Lens Yoga, and have trained hundreds of yoga instructors and studio owners. I have also been grateful to share my survivor story with thousands, to present workshops with the Mid Atlantic Breastfeeding Conferences, and lead a conference Nurturing Nourishment: Trauma and the Birth and Breastfeeding Experience. I am genuinely grateful for every single moment I have been able to provide some learning and support to those wishing to create safer spaces for survivors, and in turn, for everyone. I know that small shifts in the way we approach out work, no matter what that work includes, can make waves of change. Thank you for your consideration in being a part of this great change. I believe trauma-informed spaces can and will heal. 
Sincerely, 
Melissa Lucchesi