Workshop: The Birth You Didn't Expect
Friday, November 15 | 2:00-4:30pm
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Whether you are a new or experienced parent, caregiver, family member, partner, or doula, birth leaves a lasting impact, regardless of how “fine” the baby is afterward. What many well-meaning people don’t understand is that birth trauma is about your perception, not an outcome.
When your birth doesn’t go as planned, you can experience feelings of helplessness, terror, and intense fear for your own life or the life of your baby that leaves a lasting impression and doesn’t go away. And the more time that goes by, the more “fine” you and everyone else might expect you to feel. But how are you supposed to feel at peace with a birth that was not what you expected? A birth you didn’t want? Or a birth with no room for how you feel? In this workshop, you will set a new course for healing your birth experience in a safe, supportive, and validating space. You will have the opportunity to both share your story and learn how to hold space for others. Using art, you will begin the process of putting the pieces back together with support and empathy from the courageous members of the group. No art experience is necessary and all materials and light refreshments will be provided. This Workshop will be led by Art Therapist Ali Piacente, MA, LGPC, LGPAT. Ali is a holistically-minded art therapist who encourages individuals to become more in-tune with their physical and emotional selves. As a student of mindfulness, she shares this experience with her clients and is a witness to their healing journey. "Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we'll ever do." - Brene Brown |
The Birth You Didn't Expect - Workshop Details
Friday, November 15 | 2:00-4:30pm
Cost: We offer a sliding scale where you can choose the registration rate that best aligns with your circumstances:
Standard Rate — $85 — Covers our expenses and keeps the collective on a sustainable path
Reduced Rate* — $75 — For those who need financial support
Pay It Forward Rate — $95 — For those who can afford to pay a little more to support our scholarship program
*If you would like to participate but the cost of the workshop at the reduced rate is a challenge please complete our scholarship request form or contact us.
Please note: Pre-crawling babies are welcome but we do not have the space or childcare available for older babies, toddlers or children so they should be with another caregiver during the workshop.
Cost: We offer a sliding scale where you can choose the registration rate that best aligns with your circumstances:
Standard Rate — $85 — Covers our expenses and keeps the collective on a sustainable path
Reduced Rate* — $75 — For those who need financial support
Pay It Forward Rate — $95 — For those who can afford to pay a little more to support our scholarship program
*If you would like to participate but the cost of the workshop at the reduced rate is a challenge please complete our scholarship request form or contact us.
Please note: Pre-crawling babies are welcome but we do not have the space or childcare available for older babies, toddlers or children so they should be with another caregiver during the workshop.
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Location:
The workshop will be held in-person outdoors on a screened-in porch in Silver Spring, MD (or indoors in case of very cold weather) near the Sligo Avenue Neighborhood Park. The exact address will be sent to participants upon registration. There is ample free street parking. We are about 1 mile from both the Silver Spring and Takoma metro stations and there are also busses from each of the stations that stop a block away (the 16 bus from Silver Spring and the 14 bus from Takoma). |
Workshop FAQ
Who can join?
Any parent or person who was present at the birth can attend - mothers, fathers, grandparents, friends, doulas, birth workers or others.
How many people will be in the workshop?
The workshop will have between 4-8 participants.
My birth was not as bad as other stories I've heard. Is it ok for me to come if there was no emergency and my baby is healthy?
Yes. We're focusing on the feelings of your birth and not the facts of what happened. Your feelings of disappointment, resentment, confusion, and sadness are valid. If you find yourself thinking about your birth and wishing it went differently, then you belong in this workshop.
I gave birth many years ago - is it too late to join?
Absolutely not - parents (or others present at the birth) can join at any time. We've had people attend the workshop over 10 years after the birth.
I'm not an artist and haven't made art in many years. Is that a requirement?
There are no techniques, skills, or experience required to make meaningful art. Like birth, we're focusing on the process as well as the meaning of the art. Our focus is not to make something aesthetically pleasing to hang on your wall.
What if I need accommodations for a disability?
We strive to host workshops that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all parents, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the registration form and we'll follow up with you directly.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to two weeks ahead of the start date. Cancellations made between two weeks and one week before the start of the circle receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after one week prior to the start date.
What if the time doesn't work for me?
Please get in touch! We'll schedule additional workshops if there is more demand and would love to include you in a future iteration if we are able.
Have another question? Please contact us.
Any parent or person who was present at the birth can attend - mothers, fathers, grandparents, friends, doulas, birth workers or others.
How many people will be in the workshop?
The workshop will have between 4-8 participants.
My birth was not as bad as other stories I've heard. Is it ok for me to come if there was no emergency and my baby is healthy?
Yes. We're focusing on the feelings of your birth and not the facts of what happened. Your feelings of disappointment, resentment, confusion, and sadness are valid. If you find yourself thinking about your birth and wishing it went differently, then you belong in this workshop.
I gave birth many years ago - is it too late to join?
Absolutely not - parents (or others present at the birth) can join at any time. We've had people attend the workshop over 10 years after the birth.
I'm not an artist and haven't made art in many years. Is that a requirement?
There are no techniques, skills, or experience required to make meaningful art. Like birth, we're focusing on the process as well as the meaning of the art. Our focus is not to make something aesthetically pleasing to hang on your wall.
What if I need accommodations for a disability?
We strive to host workshops that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all parents, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the registration form and we'll follow up with you directly.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to two weeks ahead of the start date. Cancellations made between two weeks and one week before the start of the circle receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after one week prior to the start date.
What if the time doesn't work for me?
Please get in touch! We'll schedule additional workshops if there is more demand and would love to include you in a future iteration if we are able.
Have another question? Please contact us.