WEBINAR: Transforming Gender Dysphoria into Gender Euphoria

Alleviating perinatal gender dysphoria for trans clients

Objectives: 

Adjusting to our rapidly changing bodies is a layered aspect of pregnancy for all people who go through this rite of passage. For trans birthers, there are extra layers. Alongside the joy and anticipation that the changing body represents, anxiety and distress may also arise as a result of physical and emotional experiences that are incongruous with gender identity and presentation. How can doulas supporting trans clients develop a better understanding of what causes distress and help them find ways to experience more joy from trying to conceive (TTC) to postpartum?

Description/workshop overview: 

In this 90-minute virtual Transforming Gender Dysphoria Q&A, our member Jess Surtees will generously share their lived and professional experience as a non-binary doula and birther to help us cultivate a deeper understanding of what gender dysphoria is, why the perinatal period contains a minefield of potential triggers, and how we can reduce these triggers and enhance our client’s joy. 

Jess is a labour, birth, loss, and termination doula completing studies with Doula School with backgrounds in sexual education, political theory, and the culinary arts. Jess has a thirst for knowledge and a passion for puns, nature, their three cats, and their (now very active) one-year-old child.

Guided by Jess’s expertise, participants will leave with a better understanding of:

• What gender dysphoria is and how to reduce triggers associated with:
  • Trying to conceive
  • Internal exams
  • The changing body
  • Birth
  • Feeding and newborn care

This Q&A is for doulas and birth workers who want to provide gender-affirming and empowering support to trans birthers, ensuring their ability to build their client base within this underserved group.

Details:

This virtual continuing education event takes place on June 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM EST. 

This webinar is free to members and alumni of Doula School, Discover Birth, and The Nesting Place and is $35 for external participants. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance that can be used as 1 CEU (continuing education units) at Doula School.