An Edmonton-area psychologist is using her near-fatal childbirth experience to help others. Teela Tomassetti's 2021 home birth plan went awry, leading to a severe hemorrhage, blood transfusions, a week in hospital, and a subsequent infection.
The experience left her shattered but sparked a mission. She founded the Reproductive and Perinatal Trauma Centre (RPTC) in Sherwood Park, described as Canada's first of its kind.
Research indicates one in three women find their birth experience psychologically traumatic. The RPTC defines this as anything exceeding the nervous system's ability to cope. Symptoms can include intrusive thoughts, anxiety, bonding issues, and PTSD.
Tomassetti's centre now employs eight counsellors. They address birth trauma, infertility, pregnancy loss, and paternal mental health. She emphasizes healing through community and connection.
“Sometimes we feel guilty sharing our experiences because we think, ‘Oh, people will assume that I don’t love my daughter because of what I went through,'” she said. “I just want you to know that you can get better and that resources exist.”