BONDING THERAPY AND BIRTH TRAUMA RESOLUTION
This work is with the Mother or Father to help resolve challenging birth scenarios that may have resulted in infant asthma, breastfeeding or sleep issues, colic, irritability, anxiety, depression, or other emotional vulnerability. The baby or the parent may experience these challenges. This work is done with the Mother/Birthing Parent, or Father/Partner, to help an infant with attachment and bonding issues, physical and emotional health, AND this work can be done with grown adults continuing to experience prenatal traumas in their current lives (twin loss, abortion, abuse, post partum depression, anxiety, ptsd, attachment issues, etc.) This work is also to help the parents with post partum depression and anxiety, and sense of failure related to traumatic or overly stressful birth.
Offerings are now available in person as well as through online options utilizing Zoom or FaceTime to accommodate people during the Covid-19 pandemic and for people with geographical distance challenges.
Bonding is the intense physical, behavioral, and emotional connection between a parent and child that occursin utero and at birth. When it is missing a parent knows this and may feel that something is wrong with the child or that (s)he can’t love the child as (s)he feels is right. The fault is not the parents. It usually results from a difficult experience in pregnancy or at birth such as death of a loved one, loss of job or home, abuse, or traumatic birth where separation occurred. It is NOT the parent’s fault and can be remedied quite easily using Bonding Repair Therapy work.
From clients:
“I just wanted to thank you again for our work healing the birth of my first child. I can’t even begin to tell you the difference it’s made in my mental state. I’m more present for myself, my husband, and my daughter. I’ve also noticed that because of the vivid re-imagining of her birth that I was able to create, I no longer see the need or value in ever truly going back to the “place” of how she was actually born. It serves me no purpose because I feel so healed from it.
I’ve also noticed that my daughter is so, so very loving towards me.. more so than even earlier this week. It’s like she’s healed from it, too.
I’m so excited to bring my 2ndbaby into the world ” May, 2021 T.W. 37 weeks pregnant with baby #2
“Ellynne possesses a unique skill:to repair a wound in our heart, that consciously, or even unconsciously, causes life long struggle and seems inaccessible – until you talk to Ellynne. My first daughter was born as a twin by standard c-section, handed to me a couple of hours later. For a long time, I wasn’t aware that I had always felt a distance from her. She is only 4! I love her so much but I couldn’t love her in the same way I loved my second daughter who was born at home. I always felt some pain, tension, worry, guilt. I came across Ellynne’s site out of curiosity as I am having another baby.
“I saw Ellynne for help in moving past some birth trauma which left me feel disconnected from my body and a bit like I had lost my identity in my new life. She was warm, and compassionate, and made me feel completely safe. In just one visit she enabled me to face my trauma and give myself permission to let go, and change my story. My husband noticed the immediate change in my demeanor, and the peace I now feel within myself. After spending almost a year struggling to find a balance I was finally able to recognize myself again and heal. I only wish I had come to her sooner. “
“I came to Ellynne’s workshop and later also to a private session based on a recommendation from a friend of mine and curiosity on how the birth can affect ones life. I was impressed by the result how the small bits and pieces helped with my self confidence, self expression – both verbal and in a movement and also in the relationship with my mom. Things that were taking me a lot of energy to complete I now accomplish with ease. Ellynne has a gift to help others release what is stopping them from the full enjoyment of life and I thank her to help me find mine. Martina, Prague“
“Ellynne Skove guided me to reimagine my birth, in a healing context. For the first time in my life, (I am 55), I was able to “see” my parents happy and singing together to me. I meditated on my tween siblings getting their needs met after my birth. It was all very healing for me. Ellynne’s voice and touch and the environment she sets up fosters trust and safety and rest, so that this most challenging work can happen. The amazing thing, is I feel happy about my birth for the first time. I can sense the joy my mother felt, and my father — even though at the time he was experiencing PTSD from WWII, and was very violent – they both were suffering terribly. I was born with the umbilicus wrapped twice around my neck, and I was turning blue. Through Ellynne’s guided meditation I felt the umbilicus give sway so that I could be free. I felt the joy of doing a backflip to dive down the birth canal. I feel much happier. I was able to release things people have said to me over the years like “you were a mistake” or “she had no business getting pregnant again” — comments that scarred me. I never would have gotten there but for the generosity of spirit and patience of Ellynne who knows how to go deep, with grace and laughter.” Annie, NY, NY
“One of the most difficult aspects of my postpartum depression was trying to overcome the disappointment and shame for having given birth via c-section. I met with Ellynne Skove a few months after. Ellynne’s compassionate commitment to my wellbeing as a new mother was palpable each and every moment we shared together. It was through our sessions spent reimagining and hence rewriting the birth experience that all my negative feelings started to dissipate. Ellynne’s full presence made me feel valued, understood and truly seen during a very challenging in my early as a mother.” Cristina, NY, NY
“As a relatively new father, I struggled to balance my eagerness to be fully involved in my child’s life with my desire to pursue a purposeful professional path. Through our conversations, Ellynne Skove provided me with a rekindled sense of groundedness, clarity, and hope in the possibilities in front of me. I believe that Ellynne is a highly skilled healing practitioner. Her wisdom, vitality, and empathy are blessings that I still hold close in my wonderfully joyful and tiresome parenting journey. I am truly grateful for her support.” Stephane, NY, NY
PRENATAL BONDING (ba)
Prenatal Bonding (ba) is a gentle, mindful, meditative approach offering mothers (and fathers too) the opportunity to connect at a deep level with their baby prior to birth through a pregnant mother’s natural instincts and insights.
Parents who have participated report:
Feeling a greater bond with their child
Babies are calmer
Greater ease in the birth process for baby and mother
Children have greater self-esteem and confidence
Children have better emotional maturity and calmer temperaments
Parents able to process through their pregnancy fears, concerns and past trauma related to birth experiences
Reduced rate of post-partum depression
Reduced rate of Caesarian section births
Prenatal Bonding (BA) is not mental health therapy, but rather a facilitation in which the specialist guides the mother (fathers can also participate) through relaxation and questions to gain insights and understandings. Sessions typically begin between 18 and 28 weeks gestation and continue until two weeks before expected delivery.
Families who had experienced pregnancy loss, abortion, sexual trauma, attachment challenges and more can benefit greatly from this work. IT generally involves 2 sessions for a full intake and history process that can shed great light. From there if all parties wish to continue to baby sessions and more the pregnant parent, other parent, and facilitator will meet 12-20 sessions. Fee is on a sliding scale basis.