Birth Trauma Support In Greater Belfast, UK
Are you 1 in 3? Those are the birth trauma statistics in the UK, although I feel they are much higher than that. Many women think that they should be grateful for their birth because baby arrived safely. Having mum and baby safe shouldn’t be the end goal rather it should be having mum and baby thriving, positive and well bonded.
When you think back over your birth experience, everything may have turned out well according to your notes and by the midwife or consultant who was caring for you. But from your point of view, you may have felt unheard, ignored or doubted. Your birth may have unfolded unexpectedly and you felt poorly treated.
Your experience can be reframed. Using the incredible tool of the 3-Step Rewind method, your traumatic birth experience can be shifted and held differently. After going through the 3-Step Rewind process, you will be able to access the memory of your birth in a much more comfortable way.
Birth Trauma Symptoms
Although you may not be diagnosed as suffering from PTSD, you may still be experience some of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty sleeping/nightmares
- Hyper-vigilance
- Flashbacks
- Difficulty concentrating
- Panic attacks
- Avoiding thinking about your traumatic birth experience
- Numbness or recurring thoughts about your birth trauma
- Irritability or anger
- Feeling hopeless about the future
3-Step Rewind is not just for those who gave birth, but also for partners, birth supporters/doulas and midwives who witnessed a difficult birth situation. It would be an honour to walk with you too through this re-framing journey.
What is the 3-Step Rewind?
- The 3-Step Rewind is used to reduce the stress of your traumatic event.
- There are 3 sessions where you are invited to share your story, but this is not essential if you find it too upsetting.
- There will be a time of asking specific goal-orientated questions and guided relaxations.
- The 3-Step Rewind process takes you through your traumatic memory from 3 different perspectives, with the opportunity to let go of your original memory.
- Visualising a new, brighter future for yourself using relaxation and reframing will help you see the changes you are wanting to achieve.
Who is the 3-Step Rewind for?
If you’ve experienced trauma at any stage of your pregnancy or birth journey, such as:
- hyperemesis gravidarum,
- baby loss,
- or even a deep fear of needles or hospitals
you are not alone. The 3-Step Rewind process can support you gently and effectively, no matter how long ago the experience happened.
You might be struggling with symptoms like flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, sleep problems, nightmares, anxiety, or a sense that life just doesn’t feel safe. Perhaps you’re dealing with guilt, anger, relationship difficulties, or finding it hard to bond with your baby.
Whatever you’re feeling, and however it’s showing up, this approach can help you begin to feel more like yourself again – calmer, clearer, and more in control.
How does the 3-Step Rewind work?
Session 1 - 90 mins
Sharing your story (although this is optional) and then discussing how your life will be different without the troubling emotions. You will end the session being taken through a relaxation.
Session 2 - 60 mins
You will be taken through the Rewind process, where there is an opportunity to release the old memory in exchange for newfound resources and wisdom.
Session 3 - 60 mins
We discuss the differences of how you are feeling compared to when you started. If needed, we will go through the rewind process again (although this is rare). A relaxation and visualisation completes the session.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the 3-Step Rewind cost?
The total cost is £150. I also offer reduced rates for those on lower incomes, please feel free to ask. Finances should never be a barrier to getting the support you need.
Do you offer in-person or online sessions?
I offer both. If you’re local to Belfast, we can meet in a calm, private space. Otherwise, we can meet online via Zoom – many people find this just as effective and a little easier to manage with a baby or busy life.
What happens in a birth trauma support session?
Sessions are a calm, confidential space to talk, reflect, and feel supported. You’ll be gently listened to without judgment or advice. I will guide you with questions or calming techniques, depending on what you need that day.
Is 3-Step Rewind for birth trauma only?
No. 3-Step Rewind is for any traumatic event, from trying to conceive, pregnancy or baby loss, hyperemesis gravidarum, receiving a bad diagnosis. Any situation that is causing you distress can be worked through.
I have even used 3-Step rewind on needle phobias (and someone who was afraid of flying!)
If I'm already receiving therapy, can i still work with you?
I would suggest chatting to your therapist first before working with me. They may have a different plan in working with you and I wouldn’t want to compromise that treatment plan.
What happens in a birth trauma support session?
Will I forget what happened?
No. The 3-Step Rewind technique doesn’t make you forget your experience. Rather, it helps release the emotional intensity stored in your body so that you can remember without feeling overwhelmed. Through the process, the memory is gently revisited in a safe and supported way, allowing for a natural reframing to take place. This means the event can be seen with fresh perspective — often with more clarity, compassion, and distance — so it no longer feels as emotionally charged or defining.
I'm not sure I'm ready to talk. Can I still reach out?
Yes, please do! Reaching out doesn’t commit you to anything. If it feels safer, we can start with a short message or email, and you can take your time. There’s no rush and no expectation.
Can I bring my baby to the session?
Yes, absolutely. You’re welcome to have your baby with you, feed or change them during the session, or take breaks as needed. This is a baby-friendly space.
Does my birth experience count as traumatic?
If it still hurts when you think about it, if you feel anxious, avoid talking about it, or have a sense that something wasn’t right, then yes, it matters. You don’t need a formal diagnosis or a “bad enough” story to deserve support.
I gave birth months (or years) ago. Is it too late to talk about it?
It’s never too late. Whether your birth happened last week or a decade ago, if it’s still affecting you, your relationships, or how you feel about yourself. You deserve to be heard.
Do you support partners too?
Unfortunately, many birth partners find the birth experience traumatic. I create a safe, confidential space where they are free to share without being judged , or their experience being shared anywhere else.
I can offer support to your partner, not in a joint session, but separately, as each person’s experience will be different.
What exactly is birth trauma?
Birth trauma is not defined by a specific event, but by how your body and mind respond to what happened. If you felt unheard, dismissed, unsafe, violated- physically or emotionally, or feared for your or your baby’s life, your body may register that as trauma. It’s important to know that birth trauma is deeply personal. No two experiences are the same, and your feelings are valid, no matter what others went through.
Will I have to retell every detail of what happened?
Only if you want to. Some people find it helpful to talk through their experience, while others prefer to focus on how they’re feeling now. There’s no pressure and no “right way” – we’ll always go at your pace.
It’s also completely okay if you don’t want to talk about the experience at all. Your subconscious already knows the memory we’re working with, and that’s enough for the process to be effective.
Is this therapy or counselling?
No, this is not clinical therapy. It’s trauma-informed emotional support grounded in active listening, empathy, and care. Many people find it complements counselling or feels more approachable if they’re not ready for formal therapy.