Reproductive life events are often life-altering. Some can be traumatising and lead to depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). Other reproductive events didn’t necessarily feel traumatising at the time, but still follow us for life and reappear when we least expect it. Processing reproductive experiences are a common practice in many cultures – either as part of the formal private or public health system or in the shape of more informal interventions. Apart from reducing the immediate stress and discomfort of powerful reproductive events, debriefing can also lead to enhanced coping skills,increased resilience, emotional healing, and even transforming the event into an empowering experience.
Reproductive life events include but are not limited to: