Amplifying Silenced Experiences
“People never forget how they were treated during their most vulnerable moments. That consideration is at the forefront of our work at this centre.”
Teela Tomassetti, Founder
“Statistics are vital, but they only begin to tell the story. The story behind the number is the person, their experience, what they have struggled to overcome and are still managing.”
Teela Tomassetti, Founder
What is Reproductive and Perinatal Trauma?
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Birth Trauma
1 in 3 and up to 45% of people describe their birth experience as traumatic. Birth trauma is anything that exceeds the nervous systems ability to cope before, during and after childbirth. Our definition of birth trauma includes trauma that occurs during the pregnancy, childbirth, and afterwards with issues tied to the birth. Birth trauma is a subjective experience, with so many causes, that can impact the birther and the partner.
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Fertility
1 in 4 will struggle to conceive and 1 in 5 couples will deal with infertility. The issues connected to fertility are vast. We support those who are trying to decide what their fertility journey will look like, those who are currently navigating IVF and IUI, donor eggs, surrogacy, egg freezing, and other form of fertility support. As well as those who have had a hysterectomy due to choice or caused by birth trauma. We also support those who are in the adoption process or have adopted. We meet our clients exactly where they are with this journey and understand how layered it all is.
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Pregnancy Loss
1 in 4 people will suffer from pregnancy loss. This loss comes in many forms, and the help we offer compliments that. Pregnancy loss is considered up to the 20th week of pregnancy; however, we never view the loss in terms of weeks. Instead, what the loss means to the person navigating it is what we explore and help them to process. And we understand the importance of allowing people to define their own experiences. We know how complex a loss, the layers of isolation, and how complicated the feeling of hope can be afterwards.
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Infant Loss
Stillbirth is defined as a loss during pregnancy and childbirth, in the 20th week and older in gestational age. 1 in 160 births ends as a stillbirth. We also support those who are navigating the tragedy of SIDS. The loss of a child is complex and layered, and often acts as a domino effect impacting all life areas.
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Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue found outside of the uterus. 1 in 10 people will be affected by endometriosis. And 54% of individuals do not know that what they are managing and struggling with is endo. Endometriosis is found in every organ in the body but is mostly found in the pelvic cavity. There is an extensive diagnosis process with an average of 7-12 years due to a lack of awareness. We understand just how devastating this diagnosis (or lack of diagnosis) can be and how many suffer in silence with little to no resource.
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PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is one of the most common hormonal issues, affecting 8-13% of women of reproductive age, and 70% of people go undiagnosed. In Canada alone, 1.4 million people struggle with this. PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders occurring in women, its diagnosis, management, and associated long-term health risks remain controversial. We know that there is a great deal that an individual suffering from PCOS is up against and we want to walk alongside you as you manage it.
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Paternal Mental Health
At RPTC we are fully aware of how ignored this area of mental health is. We understand and value every member of the family and know too well the statistics such as up to 25% of partners describe the childbirth experience as traumatic. And 1 in 10 will struggle with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. We have created a safe place for Dads to land and take up space with just how difficult this can all be.
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IUD Trauma
Up to 20% of people describe their IUD experience as traumatic. This is what is called an “underground” issues as most with an IUD do not speak of their pain or discomfort or upsetting experiences that took place during insertion and issues after. One of the areas connected to this that we support people around is how often the pain is dismissed during the procedure and that little to no pain management is offered.
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Perinatal Mental Health
1 in 10 will experience Postpartum Anxiety and 1 in 7 will experience Postpartum Depression. PMADS (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) impacts so many new moms and we want to ensure those who have been or are at risk of it will find the right support. The proper assessment and treatment plan is key, you can feel so much better.
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Perimenopause
Perimenopause means "around menopause" and refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years. It can happen as early as mid 30’s and typically lasts until around the age of 45. It can last 5-10 years before menopause starts. It is an essential aspect of a woman’s life, yet is stigmatized and often misunderstood. People often share the shame and anxiety that accompanies this time of their life and how isolatinng it can feel. Being in perimenopause comes with a slew of symptoms that are often confusing and hard to manage such as; sleep issues, mood swings, irregular periods, anxiety, rage, irritability, changes in physical appearance, depression, difficulty concentrating and more. You don’t have to go through this time of your life alone, we got you!