words have the power to transport us through time and space.

storytelling (both oral and written) has survived millennia for a reason—we build connections and understand each other in deeper, more meaningful ways when we share. childbirth is a transformative experience from any and all angles—everything we go through just to reach it, and how we walk away from it completely different people, on so many levels. in the aftermath, we know we’ve been transformed, but in between caring for our babies, our bodies, our families, our careers, our homes, we barely have time to process all that happened, all that we saw, felt, and endured. this birth story writing workshop will offer you a chance to shift your focus back to the day you gave birth, with the ultimate goal of constructing a written birth story from all of your sensory memories. regardless of whether you experienced a live birth or a still birth, whether it was your first child or fifth child, whether the baby stayed with you or went to live with another family, whether you gave birth 5 weeks ago or 25 years ago–all experiences are valid, sacred, and welcome. 

the workshop consists of three parts over two weeks. at the first meeting, we will work through guided writing activities that aim to help you remember and articulate what you experienced–and would like to remember/work through/come to terms with/accept/celebrate/mourn–in childbirth. in the week between our meetings, you will construct your birth story in your own time, using the framework we developed during our first meeting. at the second meeting, we will share our stories and the conversations that naturally evolve from that sharing.

the workshops will be held with the mutual understanding that all sharing is not only optional, but also private. this is a safe space–no stories or facts will be recorded, and no one is under any obligation to share any of their feelings, experiences, or even identifying details. our childbirth experiences can be full of bliss and wonder just as much as they can be full of trauma and terror–we must all enter the space with open minds and hearts, ready, on all levels, to hear and handle others’ stories in a way that doesn’t bring harm to ourselves or invite judgment of others.

this workshop is a magical combination of two of my great passions in life and putting it out into the world has been a long labor of love. in addition to my work as a doula, i have been an English language & literature teacher for 17 years. i am always seeking out new ways to connect with expression—through writing and speech alike—to find the words to articulate the precise feelings from life’s most profound and ordinary moments. i truly believe that writing and storytelling are two of the most powerful tools we can use—both as individuals and as groups—to process, accept, celebrate, and release all that we go through in life. one doesn’t have to hold any qualifications to tell a story, but i am hopeful that my experience as a writing teacher will be useful as i guide you to write your story.

the offerings being prepared for spring/summer 2024 will be both virtual and in-person, and will be conducted in English. if you have ideas for different offerings that speak to you, or would like a one-on-one writing workshop, please email me.

**a gentle reminder that, while writing can be incredibly powerful and healing on multiple levels, these writing workshops are not intended to replace the guidance and knowledge of medical professionals. psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals, especially those who specialize in and have experience with perinatal support, are pillars of the community who can direct you to the help you need.