You help me decide whether the program will be offered in-person or virtually. I take into account each participant’s individual needs based on location, comfort level being in social environments vs. in their home, etc.

This is a start-up program so I will initially be offering it free of charge. The goal is for my non-profit organization, Healing After Loss Outreach, to eventually provide the funds for bereaved mothers to participate. I will ask for donations that will go directly towards the non-profit, at the completion of the 12 week program.

You do not have to be a yoga practitioner to participate in this program. It is a gentle practice that will assist you in rebuilding the relationship with your physical body, welcoming yourself to the present moment, and addressing and moving through challenging thoughts and emotions.

Trauma-informed yoga is an evidence-based approach that prioritizes the healing and the unique individual experiences of every participant. This empowering practice centers on core principles such as safety, trust, choice, and control. By taking a holistic approach, we honor the way that pregnancy loss impacts the bereaved’s physical, social, emotional, and/or spiritual well-being.

Trauma-informed yoga helps participants activate their parasympathetic nervous system, making gradual shifts over time to expand their window of tolerance and enhance their coping skills. This practice ultimately leads to a space where participants feel validated and empowered to make informed choices based on their individual needs.

Benefits of trauma-informed yoga include (Davidson, 2019):

• Positive coping skills, including strengthening inner resources

• Self-care strategies

• Increased feelings of being seen, valued, and affirmed

• Strengthened emotional, physical, mental, personal, and interpersonal skills

• Strengthened self-esteem

• Increased awareness of needs, mindfulness skills, and resiliency

• Increased feelings of self-compassion

• Increased confidence and courage

• Empowerment to seek other resources, such as counseling and medical support

• Understanding how to ask for help

• Ability to be more expressive in therapy

• Decreased symptoms of PTSD

• Decreased feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety

• Establishment of boundaries and understanding how to be assertive

• Improved trust in self and others

• Feelings of safety and strength

• Ability to be intimate again