EMDR for Birth Trauma: What to Expect from a 1-Day Intensive

Hey, Shameless Mamas - Let’s Talk about Maternal Mental Health

You’re holding your baby, but something still doesn’t feel right. You might smile for the photos and text “We’re doing great!” to friends, but inside, you feel shaken—like your body went through something it hasn’t recovered from.

If the memory of your birth experience keeps intruding, if you avoid conversations about labor, or if certain hospital smells or sounds bring on panic—you may be navigating birth trauma.

And I want you to know: you’re not crazy, broken, or overreacting.

You’re having a real, valid nervous system response to a traumatic birth experience—and there’s effective help available. As a therapist specializing in postpartum therapy in California, I often use EMDR for birth trauma, especially in the form of 1-day EMDR intensives, to help moms heal faster and reclaim their sense of safety and self.

Here’s what you can expect from this powerful approach.

First, What Is EMDR—And Why Is It So Effective for Birth Trauma?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a specialized, evidence-based therapy that helps you reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer hijack your emotions or body responses. EMDR doesn’t erase what happened—it helps your brain file the memory in a way that no longer feels threatening or overwhelming.

When used for birth trauma therapy, EMDR helps you safely revisit the moments that “got stuck” (e.g., the sound of a monitor flatlining, being rushed for an emergency C-section, or feeling unheard by your medical team) and processes them without retraumatizing you.

Why Choose a 1-Day Intensive?

Weekly therapy can be slow. You’re working through trauma in 50-minute blocks, and just as you’re getting into something deep, the session ends. That pace is frustrating—especially for new mothers juggling limited time, sleep deprivation, and childcare.

A 1-day EMDR intensive compresses months of therapy into a single, immersive healing experience. Instead of spending 10 to 20 weeks piecing together your trauma story, you have the space to fully process it in one safe, supported container.

Here’s how it typically works:

What to Expect During a 1-Day EMDR Birth Trauma Intensive

1. Pre-Session Assessment (Before the Intensive):
You’ll meet with me virtually or in person to discuss your goals, symptoms, and readiness. We’ll identify what parts of your birth story still feel “charged” and what you’d like to shift.

2. The Intensive Day (3 to 6 Hours):
We begin by grounding your nervous system and building internal safety. Then, we gently work through the targeted memories using EMDR protocols. We take breaks as needed. You’re never pushed past what feels tolerable.

3. Integration + Follow-Up:
We’ll schedule a follow-up to reflect on the changes you’ve noticed—like fewer triggers, more emotional stability, or a greater sense of closure. Some clients choose to do additional intensives; others feel complete after one.

Who Is This For?

This is for you if:

• You’re a new or seasoned mom still feeling anxious, numb, or panicked after birth

• You’ve tried traditional birth trauma therapy and felt like it moved too slowly

• You live in California and are looking for expert postpartum therapy without the long waitlists

• You want to process your birth story in a contained, compassionate setting—not over months of tearful check-ins

EMDR Birth Trauma Therapy in California: You’re Not Alone

I work with high-functioning, deeply thoughtful women across California who are struggling quietly with the emotional aftermath of giving birth. They show up for their families, their jobs, their communities—and they’re tired of showing up for everyone but themselves.

You deserve to heal, and you don’t have to do it slowly or alone.

Let’s Talk

If you’ve been Googling “EMDR for birth trauma” or “postpartum therapy California” looking for relief, a 1-day EMDR intensive might be the right next step. Let’s connect for a free consultation and talk about what healing could look like for you.

📍Offering EMDR intensives for birth trauma throughout California—virtually and in-person in Sacramento.

Ready to start your healing journey? Contact Shameless Mama Wellness today to schedule a free consultation.

With Warmth and in Solidarity,
Marilyn

I provide a safe haven to discuss the thoughts you keep hidden.

As a Postpartum Therapist in California, I offer many services utilizing evidence-based treatments. Some services at Shameless Mama Wellness include treatment for postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, birth trauma therapy, fertility counseling, therapy for miscarriage and loss, pregnancy therapy and treatment for NICU PTSD.

Online therapy available to new moms in California.