Birth Storytelling Workshop Series

This series uplifts the emotional and mental well-being of birthing people—especially from Black, Indigenous, and historically underserved communities—by creating spaces for truth-telling and support.

Each workshop will:

• Create a safe, welcoming environment to share birth stories
• Highlight the connection between birth experiences and postpartum mental health
• Center the lived experiences of BIPOC individuals navigating birth and parenthood
• Acknowledge the role of fathers and partners in supporting holistic care
• Offer guidance on using storytelling to inform policy and shift systems
• Promote access to culturally responsive perinatal and mental health resources

This series is made possible through the generous support of Dignity Health and Mercy Care and reflects the State of Black Arizona’s commitment to advancing maternal health equity for all Arizona families. The project is co-hosted by PSI-Arizona, South Phoenix Healthy Start, and The State of Black Arizona.

Workshop 1: Telling the Truth About Birth: An honest conversation exploring expectations versus reality in childbirth. A couple and their doula share reflections on care, communication, and emotional recovery.

Workshop 2: C-Section Birth, Soft Landing: A thoughtful discussion on medically complex births. Participants will reflect on informed choice, surgical experiences, and building trust between families and providers.

Workshop 3: When Things Go Sideways: A space for processing traumatic birth experiences, featuring guidance from a trauma-informed clinician and lived experiences from a birthing parent.

Workshop 4: Reinvented Baby Shower Rituals: A joyful gathering celebrating non-traditional paths to parenthood, including IVF, VBAC, LGBTQ+ families, and more—concluding with a reimagined community-centered baby shower.

More details and registration information will be shared soon.

For updates, visit: www.stateofblackarizona.org and psiarizona.org

Also check out other Workshops in Phoenix, Health & Wellness events in Phoenix.