The concept of Trauma Informed Care (TIC) is now being embraced by some health care providers and is the very foundation of doula care. TIC acknowledges the prevalence and impact of trauma on people’s lives, understands the signs and symptoms of trauma, and attempts to actively resist re-traumatization by interacting with clients (patients) in ways that are respectful and collaborative. A TIC approach can be used with all people, regardless of whether their trauma history is known or unknown, because it is based on principles that promote empathy and dignity. The main principles of TIC are:
• Safety: identifying what will help the client (patient) to feel physical, emotional, psychological, and cultural safety
• Cultural Responsiveness: considering the client’s (patient’s) history, culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, communication style, and life circumstances
• Recognition Of Trauma Responses: recognizing when a client (patient) may be experiencing a trauma response (i.e., fight, flight, freeze) and assuming that the behaviors are a symptom of previous harm, rather than willful defiance or disrespect
• Validation: validating the client’s (patient’s) experience of what’s happened or what’s happening
• Trustworthiness: providing the client (patient) with empathy, understanding, and connection
• Collaboration: open, respectful, and non-judgmental communication with the client (patient)
• Empowerment, Choice, & Control: providing balanced evidence based information/education, promoting informed consent, encouraging the client (patient) to use their voice, and supporting the client (patient) to make choices that are right for them
• Strength-Based: identifying some of the client’s (patient’s) strengths and building on these already existing skills
So much of what doulas do is based on Trauma Informed Care. Doulas are essentially a form of trauma prevention because trust, validation, safety, collaboration, choice, and client empowerment are at the very heart of what it means to be a doula. If you would like Trauma Informed Care to be a part of your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience, please reach out to learn more about connecting with a doula who can provide you with the individualized care you deserve!
