Edmonton psychologist founded trauma centre after nearly fatal birth experience in 2021
Teela Tomassetti survived excessive hemorrhaging and infection following a home birth, then built Canada's first Reproductive and Perinatal Trauma Centre in Sherwood Park.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
When Teela Tomassetti planned a home birth in 2021 during the height of COVID-19, she wanted her husband present and felt safer with midwives. Instead, she experienced what she calls midwifery violence and was denied hospital access when complications arose.
"Being my first pregnancy and my first childbirth experience, I had no idea what was going on with my body," the Edmonton-area psychologist recalled. "But I could tell something was off." After hours of pleading, she was finally taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, where she underwent emergency treatment for excessive hemorrhage requiring blood transfusions and a week-long stay.
Six weeks later, a retained placenta caused a second hemorrhage at home. She returned to hospital for a dilation and curettage procedure, then developed an infection. "Twelve weeks postpartum, I was just shattered from the experience," Tomassetti said.
Seeking community online, she started an Instagram account, @theteaonbirthtrauma, which grew into something larger. She founded the Reproductive and Perinatal Trauma Centre — a first of its kind in Canada. The facility has expanded rapidly and recently moved into its own space in Sherwood Park, now staffed by eight counsellors.
Research shows one in three women describe their birth experience as psychologically traumatic. Birth trauma, the RPTC defines, is "anything that exceeds the nervous system's ability to cope before, during and after the childbirth experience." Symptoms can include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, anxiety, bonding issues, and even suicidal ideation. While similar to postpartum depression, Tomassetti emphasized they are distinct — and often misdiagnosed. "A lot of people get misdiagnosed with postpartum depression when it's actually birth trauma," she said, "because it's just what general practitioners know how to assess and manage."
Up to one in 10 people can develop PTSD after childbirth, studies suggest. Tomassetti's centre now offers support for birth trauma, infertility, pregnancy loss, endometriosis, and paternal mental health.
The facts
What happened to Teela Tomassetti during her 2021 home birth?
Teela Tomassetti experienced excessive hemorrhage requiring blood transfusions and a week-long hospital stay at the Royal Alexandra Hospital after complications during her planned home birth in 2021. Six weeks later, a retained placenta caused a second hemorrhage at home, requiring a dilation and curettage procedure and leading to an infection.
What is the Reproductive and Perinatal Trauma Centre?
The Reproductive and Perinatal Trauma Centre is Canada's first facility of its kind, founded by Teela Tomassetti. The centre is located in Sherwood Park and is staffed by eight counsellors, offering support for birth trauma, infertility, pregnancy loss, endometriosis, and paternal mental health.
How common is birth trauma?
Research shows one in three women describe their birth experience as psychologically traumatic. Up to one in 10 people can develop PTSD after childbirth, according to studies cited in the article.
