The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast

In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this week's Listener Series episode features a deeply moving and courageous conversation with Jocelyn. She shares her story of how a sexual assault in college, powerfully influenced her second birth experience, which unfolded into a traumatic emergency C-section under general anesthesia.Jocelyn Rodal's experience highlights the devastating impact of being unheard, unprepared, and uninformed in moments of extreme vulnerability, and how a history of sexual trauma can resurface in the birthing room in ways that even well-meaning providers may not realize.In this episode, you'll hear about:

In this deeply emotional and courageous Listener Series episode , Mandy shares her story- a story of medical trauma, sexual assault, domestic violence, birth trauma, and survival.From a devastating hospitalization at the start of the pandemic to becoming pregnant through rape and surviving an abusive relationship during pregnancy, Mandy brings raw honesty and incredible insight into how trauma, resilience, and advocacy can co-exist.In this episode, you'll hear about:

In this powerful and nuanced episode, I'm joined once again by Morgan Bradwell, LCSW, PMH-C, to explore the intersection between sexual trauma and perinatal trauma.We discuss how past sexual trauma can shape the perinatal experience, increase the risk of birth trauma, and impact postpartum mental health, including rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Morgan draws from her clinical experience supporting survivors of sexual trauma and perinatal trauma to help us better understand how to support pregnant people with this history, whether you're a provider, a partner, or navigating it yourself.What You'll Hear in This Episode:

In this Listener Episode, I sit down with Priya as she shares her deeply personal and emotional journey through birth trauma, emergency medical interventions, and the unimaginable grief of losing her baby in the NICU. Priya opens up about experiencing a traumatic birth, the unexpected complications that followed, and the physical and emotional toll it took on her postpartum experience.What You'll Hear in This Episode:Priya's birth trauma experience and emergency medical interventionsFacing a postpartum hemorrhage and its impact on recoveryNavigating the NICU stay and the heartbreak of infant lossPTSD, anxiety, and the mental health struggles that followedThe emotional toll of grieving while recovering postpartumHow Priya found support, advocacy, and resources to aid in healingAdvice for those recovering from traumatic birth and infant lossPriya's story is one of heartbreak, resilience, and healing, tune in now to hear her journey and find support for your own.

April is Cesarean Awareness Month, and we're re-releasing this incredibly important conversation to spotlight the complexities, emotions, and real stories behind C-sections.On this solo episode, Kayleigh is discussing all things c-section. She shares a few different studies highlighting the data on c-sections and PTSD, as well as how they compare to other modes of delivery. Kayleigh also touches on TOLACs and planned cesarean sections after birth trauma. In this episode:- Types of C-Sections- C-Section and birth trauma- Communication and Support as mitigating factors- Delivery decisions after birth trauma (TOLAC v. planned c-section)- C-Sections under general anesthesiaStudies Discussed:Garthus-Niegel S, von Soest T, Knoph C, Simonsen TB, Torgersen L, Eberhard-Gran M. The influence of women's preferences and actual mode of delivery on post-traumatic stress symptoms following childbirth: a population-based, longitudinal study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2014 Jun 5;14:191. doi: 10.1186/1471-2393-14-191. PMID: 24898436; PMCID: PMC4053555.Orovou E, Iliadou M, Chatzopoulou MT, Dagla M, Eskitzis P, Rigas N, Antoniou E. The Relation between Birth with Cesarean Section and Posttraumatic Stress in Postpartum Women. Maedica (Bucur). 2023 Dec;18(4):615-622. doi: 10.26574/maedica.2023.18.4.615. PMID: 38348064; PMCID: PMC10859197.Rowlands IJ, Redshaw M. Mode of birth and women's psychological and physical wellbeing in the postnatal period. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2012 Nov 28;12:138. doi: 10.1186/1471-2393-12-138. PMID: 23190575; PMCID: PMC3533875.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.Why This Episode Matters: C-sections are the most common major surgery performed on women, yet they're often misunderstood and under-supported. Whether you're a birthing parent, a partner, a provider, or a friend—this episode offers insight and empathy that can shift how we talk about and hold space for C-section experiences.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, I sit down with a Victoria, a midwife in the UK, to explore the complexities of c-section recovery. C-sections are major surgeries, yet so many pergnant people feel unprepared, unsupported, and unheard during recovery.  Vic expertly navigates these conversations while bringing a trauma-informed perspective to C-section recovery and postpartum healing.What You'll Learn in This Episode:What true C-section recovery looks like (spoiler: it's more than just physical healing!) How providers can better support postpartum patients post-op The emotional side of unexpected or traumatic C-sections Ways to advocate for yourself before, during, and after surgeryResources:C Section Walkthrough Audio (link available soon)csectionuk.comFollow csectionuk on instagram: @csectionukGuest Bio:With over a decade of experience as a Midwife, and educator and now leading the award winning C-sectionUK, It would be fair to say that Midwife Vic is pretty passionate about helping women achieve the birth that is right for them, and on their terms. Vic's 130,000 strong social following, has been testament to the huge interest and need that women have for comprehensive, professional-led information for their c-section journeys. “Whilst the conversation around the increasing rates of c-section births goes on ( which is important) , women are being left feeling unsure what their options are for c-section birth and importantly, how to recover. I really wanted to remove some of that fear, and validate and support c-section parents when they needed it most. There really are very practical, tangible things that will change everything for c-section parents - so we started talking about it! Before we knew it, we created a movement that is now reaching women across the globe” While Midwife Vic dedicates most of her time to raising awareness for c-section care and education, she also works closely with programmes such as the World Health Organisation's Fides programme challenging medical misinformation online, and sits on the advisory board for The Practicing Midwife. She continues to work clinically in the public sector periodically, but much of her clinical practice is now dedicated to working with clients privately, and through teaching digitally. Vic also works with pregnancy and birth brands, consulting on campaigns as well as creating content that aligns with her values.Her mantra is knowledge is power, and she is determined to empower as many women as she can.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, I sit down with Jenna, an ICU nurse and fellow Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) survivor. Jenna shares her harrowing birth experience, the life-saving interventions she received, and the long road to recovery.We discuss:

March 27th marks Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) Awareness Day, a time to honor the lives affected by this rare but life-threatening complication. In this special episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, we take a deep dive into what AFE is, how it happens, and what can be done to improve survival rates.In this episode, we discuss:

In this powerful Listener Series episode, Courtney shares her deeply personal journey through birth trauma, miscarriage, and healing. From navigating unexpected medical challenges to advocating for herself in the face of systemic failures, her story is one of resilience, grief, and ultimately, self-discovery.On this episode, you will hear:

Searching for a therapist after experiencing birth or perinatal trauma can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. In this special mini-series episode, we break down exactly how to find a therapist who is trained in both perinatal mental health and trauma, so you can get the support you deserve.In this episode, we cover:

A special and highly requested rerelease - Dr. Vibha Mahendra, a board-certified Obstetric Anesthesiologist, joins me on this episode to discuss anesthesia options during labor and delivery and why they are sometimes ineffective, potentially leading to trauma for the patient. Dr. M also provides insight into how providers can problem-solve these pain relief issues and communicate with patients in a way that mitigates trauma. This was such an insightful conversation and she does a great job educating the patient in a way that puts them in a better position to advocate or communicate with their support people to advocate for pain relief. On this episode, you will hear:-What is OB Anesthesia?-What's in an epidural?-Differences between a spinal block and an epidural- Why are some epidurals ineffective?- What happens when there is an ineffective spinal during a c-section?- The decision to convert to general anesthesia and why some doctors delay- Is it necessary to be restrained during c-section?Guest Bio:Vibha Mahendra, MD is a board-certified Obstetric Anesthesiologist, public health advocate, educator, and founder of SafePartum. Dr. Mahendra is passionate about improving maternal care by directly engaging and empowering all healthcare providers who care for pregnant patients, in a way that aligns with their practice environment and profession. Her professional interests span all of high-risk pregnancy, but she especially loves Obstetric Critical Care and Cardio-Obstetrics! Visit https://www.safepartum.com/academy for more resources on the management of high-risk conditions in pregnancy, labor & delivery, and postpartum. Safe Partum also has an upcoming OB Critical Care &  Emergencies Course! Here is a link to the registration page to learn more about and sign up for this incredible course coming in September.  https://fun-acorn-864.myflodesk.com/For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

On this weeks episode, Joni shares her story with us. From an intense labor experience to a traumatic C-section where she felt the surgery, Joni walks us through the emotional and physical aftermath of her birth and the complex journey of processing trauma while embracing new motherhood.On this episode, you will hear:

On this week's episode, we welcome Marlie Willer, an experienced trial lawyer whose practice focuses on civil litigation with an emphasis on obstetrical negligence and maternal health rights. She recognizes the gaps between the injuries suffered by mother and babies and the limited legal options available to them. Marlie discusses with us in detail what it means to decide to pursue litigation after birth trauma and birth injury. There is so much to learn in this episode and Marlie and her expertise is so incredibly helpful and validating.On this episode, you will hear:- Marlie's journey into law and her speciality- importance of advocacy in birth injury law- client intake process- navigating the legal process in birth injury law- assessing cases: factors and challenges- determining liability and causation- understanding causation in medical negligence- the fear of frivolous lawsuits- the impact of administrative policies on care- systemic failures in medical negligence- common themes in birth injury cases- the nuances of medical records- deciding to pursue legal actionsFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

On this week's episode, we welcome Kris to share her story. Kris shares a powerful perspective on generational birth trauma. Her birth mother passed away just three days after giving birth, and years later, she faced her own birth trauma during her second pregnancy with her son, Logan, now 23. After decades of healing and personal growth, Kris offers insight into what it's like to be more than 20 years removed from birth trauma and the importance of owning and sharing your story. We hope this episode brings you hope, no matter where you are in your healing journey.On this episode, you will hear:- generational birth trauma- placenta previa- emergency birth while husband was deployed and navigating military base rules- preeclampsia at 28 weeks, edema and transfusions- 3 month NICU stay with necrotizing enterocolitis, 9 neonatal surgeries and a hospital transfer- processing trauma even if it is many years later- trauma impacting more than just the birth parents and childFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

This week, we are releasing a new mini-series episode focused on preparing for medical appointments after birth trauma. Navigating these appointments can be challenging, often bringing up feelings of fear, anxiety, and emotional activation. In this episode, I will provide a step-by-step guide to help you feel more prepared and supported. We'll explore a long-term approach to medical appointment preparation, outlining what the process can look like before, during, and after your visit. If you find medical appointments difficult after birth trauma, know that you are not alone. Self-compassion is an essential part of the healing journey, and we're here to support you every step of the way.On this episode, you will hear:- preparing for medical appointments after birth trauma- coping strategies for medical appointments- post-appointment reflection and self-compassionFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

On this week's listener story, we are doing a special rerelease of Hannah's story, which is the perfect timing because Hannah's daughter just turned 3 this past week! Hannah and her wife had a fairly healthy pregnancy but she experienced what she refers to as serial complications during and after the birth of their daughter.Things you will hear on this episode:- Induction and long labor- 3B tear due to a laceration- Struggling to bond- Breastfeeding challenges- Deep vein thrombosis - Postpartum Depression- Small bilateral pulmonary emboli - Developing mastitis and a UTI- postpartum D&C - Experiencing CDIF postpartum- Finding a birth trauma therapistIf you have a birth trauma story you would like to share with us, click this link and fill out the form. For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

In this episode, we dive into an often overlooked topic: provider trauma in labor and delivery (L&D). We explore what provider trauma is, how the high-pressure environment of L&D impacts healthcare workers, and why acknowledging their trauma is crucial for improving patient care.Join us as we discuss the intersection of provider trauma and birth trauma, the challenges providers face, and the importance of creating a supportive system that fosters healing for both caregivers and patients.Whether you're a healthcare provider, birth worker, or someone impacted by birth trauma, this episode sheds light on the emotional toll of L&D and why healing must happen on both sides of the birth experience.Busch, I. M., Moretti, F., Campagna, I., Benoni, R., Tardivo, S., Wu, A. W., & Rimondini, M. (2021). Promoting the Psychological Well-Being of Healthcare Providers Facing the Burden of Adverse Events: A Systematic Review of Second Victim Support Resources. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(10), 5080. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105080Finney RE, Torbenson VE, Riggan KA, et al. Second victim experiences of nurses in obstetrics and gynaecology: A Second Victim Experience and Support Tool Survey. J Nurs Manag. 2021; 29: 641–651. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.13198Collings R, Potter C, Gebski V, Janda M, Obermair A. The impact of surgical complications on obstetricians' and gynecologists' well-being and coping mechanisms as second victims. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2025 Jan;232(1):104.e1-104.e12. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.07.043. Epub 2024 Aug 5. PMID: 39111518.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

On this week's episode, we welcome Nandi as she bravely shares her story of love, loss, and healing. Nandi opens up about her first pregnancy with her son, Kiran Jude, whose life was tragically cut short by a brain bleed just three days after birth in the NICU. She also reflects on the birth of her daughter, a journey that resulted in an emergency C-section and a hysterectomy due to her blood disorder, Factor VII Deficiency. With courage and vulnerability, Nandi speaks about navigating the depths of grief, the deafening silence that accompanies it, and the ways she continues to heal, by lovingly speaking Kiran Jude's name and honoring his memory every day.On this episode, you will hear:- navigating pregnancy with health challenges and birth complications- infant loss in the NICU- Factor VII Deficiency- trauma and resilience- the deafening silence of grief- subsequent birth resulting in a c-section and hysterectomy- coping mechanisms and support- honoring Kiran's memoryFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

A special rerelease - Rachel Wright, LMFT, shares about the impact of birth and birth trauma on sex and intimacy. She answers all of your questions related to navigating intimacy and sex with a partner and yourself after birth trauma. This is a must-listen-to episode full of wonderful nuggets and concrete suggestions for approaching intimacy after birth trauma. In this episode you will hear:- Communicating needs and boundaries with your partner- Approaching/initiating intimacy after birth trauma- Intimacy and pleasure outside of sex- Planning out intimacy with yourself and your partner- Body image concerns after birth trauma is it relates to intimacy- The impact of physical changes on intimacy and pleasureGuest Bio:Rachel Wright, MA, LMFT (she/her) is a distinguished psychotherapist and renowned speaker with expertise in modern relationships, mental health, and sex. Her mission is to help people live happier, healthier lives by providing insights and practical advice in a relatable and engaging way.With a Master's Degree in clinical psychology, Rachel has worked with thousands of clients worldwide, earning a reputation for her empathetic and humorous approach. Her message has resonated with audiences on stages across the globe, as well as on her podcast, The Wright Conversations - A Podcast About Sex, Relationships, & Mental Health. Rachel is also a seasoned educator and coach, having created the virtual workshop series What You Wish You Learned in School: Sex Ed and co-produced and hosted a show at Green Room 42 in NYC called “One Night Stand: A Night for Sexier & Healthier Broadway.” She was also SHAPE Magazine's Sex + Relationships Coach and is currently one of mindbodygreen's article review experts.As a widely recognized mental health and relationship expert, Rachel has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, PIX 11 (NYC), Women's Health, Cosmopolitan and NBC News Radio, among others. Rachel's personal touch, sense of humor, and deep empathy make her the perfect guide for anyone seeking to improve their mental health, relationships, and sexual well-being. Connect with Rachel on Instagram @thewright_rachel or visit her website www.rachelwrightnyc.com to learn more. For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

On this week's Listener Series, we welcome Staci, who shares her journey through a challenging pregnancy. Early on, a routine prenatal appointment took a dramatic turn when Staci was rushed to the hospital for an emergency cerclage procedure. To protect her pregnancy, she was placed on strict bedrest—a marathon of patience. Complicating matters further, Staci and her family had to relocate to Oklahoma to access the specialized prenatal care covered by their Cherokee Nation insurance plan. On this episode, you will hear:- Transitioning care and Cherokee Nation Insurance- Emergency cervical cerclage placement - Milestones and challenges - NICU journey- Emotional recovery and life after the NICUFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

On this week's episode, we are talking about the intersection of adoption and birth and perinatal trauma. We are joined by Gabbie Ryan, who has personal and professional experience in this. Gabbie was adopted from China at 18 months old to a white family in Minnesota. She is now a diversity equity and justice leader in the Twin Cities and specializes in adoptee self-discovery. Gabbie and I explore  adoption practices and the idea of "coming out of a fog" as an adoptee. We hope you enjoy and learn something new in this episode - we are not demonizing all adoption, but we find it important to talk about the realities of adoption.On this episode, you will hear:- understanding different types of adoption and the profit motives in adoption- Gabbie's personal adoption story- cultural identity- "coming out of the fog"- reunion and discovery of birth family- biological children and adoption- adoption stories and fears- understanding birth mothers- support systems for adoptees- advice for expecting adoptees- guidance for adoptive parentsGuest Bio:Gabbie was adopted from China at 18 months old to a white family in Minnesota. Gabbie is a diversity, equity and justice leader in the Twin Cities. She specializes in adoptee self-discovery, creating structures of support, and navigating white majority spaces. She graduated from the University of St. Thomas with B.A.'s in Psychology and Family Studies and minors in Sociology and Business. She currently resides in Minnesota with her partner, child, and zoo of eight pets.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

On this week's listener episode, we welcome Sarah. Sarah shares her two birth experiences with us. Her first pregnancy resulted in an undetected infection and meconium aspiration, which led to her daughter's hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) diagnosis.  Sarah also shares about her subsequent pregnancy and birth which she describes as part of her healing.On this episode, you will hear:- Maternal infection - Meconium aspiration- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)- NICU journey- Healing and support: finding community- Second birth experience as redemptive - Advocacy and intuition You can find Sarah on Instagram: @Sarahber88If you have a birth trauma story you would like to share with us, click this link and fill out the form. For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this episode, we welcome Brianna Henderson, the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Let's Talk PPCM and a certified patient family partner, patient advocate, doula, and a bestselling author.On this episode, you will hear:- Brianna's journey: from misdiagnosis to advocacy- understanding postpartum cardiomyopathy- the impact of family history on health- navigating healthcare challenges- the birth of Let's Talk PPCM- survivor's guilt and advocacy- empowering moms with knowledge If you suspect you may be experiencing PPCM, you can request a BNP blood test from your obstetrician or your midwife.If you are experiencing these symptoms during pregnancy or postpartum, please talk with your doctor to make sure these are not early signs of PPCM:- rapid heartbeat palpitations- nagging cough- heavy chest pains- excessive swelling specifically of the legs and feet- excessive fatigue or tiredness during physical activities- shortness of breath- increased urinationResources:LetsTalkPPCM.orgYou can find Brianna and her Let's Talk PPCM community on Instagram:@letstalkppcm@letstalkppcm_ceoGuest Bio:Brianna Henderson is the Founder and CEO of the Lets TalkPPCM nonprofit organization, a Certified Patient-Family Partner, Patient Advocate, Doula, and Best Selling Author. She is also a loving wife and mother of two children. She was deeply inspired to provide comprehensive prenatal and preventative education after surviving a missed diagnosis during her pregnancy and postpartum season. After recovering from her pregnancy-induced health condition and learning what took her sister's life, Brianna dedicates her time to ensuring that mothers and families are informed during the perinatal year. She fulfills her hearts' mission through professional doula support andher non-profit organization.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's episode, we welcome friends and colleagues, the Shrink Chicks - Jennifer Chaiken LMFT and Emmalee Bierly LMFT. Jennifer and Emmalee founded The Therapy Group and cohost the Shrink Chicks Podcast. In today's episode, we dicuss how to support a friend through a traumatic perinatal experience when you don't plan to have kids yourself. Emmalee and Jen share their own experience navigating this dynamic through Emmalee's infertility journey while best friends and business partners. This is such a heartfelt conversation full of some really important take-aways. On this episode, you will hear:- the shift from blank slate to authenticity in therapy- navigating infertility: personal stories- the role of relationships in therapy and personal life- the complexity of grief and support in infertility- finding the right support: therapists and friends- the search for solutions: grief, healing, and acceptance - the illusion of control in motherhood- navigating support in infertility- the importance of open communicationYou can find and follow Jennifer and Emmalee on Instagram: @shrinkchicksGuest Bios:Jennifer and Emmalee founded The Therapy Group (Formerly The West Chester Therapy Group) in 2014. They recognized that all human beings could benefit from therapy, but many kept themselves from the experience. They dedicated ourselves to creating a unique therapeutic environment that would open therapy up to even the most skeptical. For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's Listener Series, we welcome Julia. Julia was induced at 38 weeks due to gestational hypertension. A routine delivery turned terrifying, when Julia suddenly became unresponsive. What followed was a litany of complications landing Julia and her baby in the ICU and NICU, and still to this day with an uncertain diagnosis. She shares with us the process of bringing home a NICU baby after a significant trauma and what her healing journey has been like.On this episode, you will hear:- labor complications and emergency response- NICU experience and family dynamics- second opinions and diagnosis- navigating an ICU experience- bonding journey after ICU and NICU experience- the stress of bringing home a NICU baby- finding healing and community supportYou can find and follow Julia on Instagram: @julia.omickFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On Today's episode, Kayleigh shares her own journey with coming to accept their family of three over the past 5 years. In this episode:- Positives of having an only child- Fears about having an only child- Making the decision to have an only child- Acceptance and Grief of your family looking different than you imagined. For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this special listener series episode, we follow up with Erica. We shared Erica's story over 2 years ago and many listeners have asked us to follow up on her story now. The first part of her story can be heard on these previous episodes: Part 1 & Part 2. Erica shared her experience with the loss of her daughter Verity and was pregnant after that loss during our second recording. This time around, Erica catches us up on her second birth experience and how things are now.On this episode, you will hear:- Navigating postpartum challenges- Understanding postpartum anxiety and OCD- The complexity of maternal emotions- Support systems and societal expectations- The role of medication and therapy- Honoring grief while parenting- Finding balance in parenting and healingFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's episode, we welcome Erica Zaldivar, LMFT to join me in discussing when therapists cause harm. I posted a few weeks back in my Instagram stories asking you to share bad experiences with therapists and it received a ton of feedback. It was shocking to say the least. Erica and I wanted to do an episode on this topic to help others identify what is appropriate and what is not appropriate in a therapy setting and to provide validation and support to those who have unfortunately had these experiences. We hope you feel empowered by this episode.On this episode, you will hear:- Identifying red flags in therapy- The importance of validation in therapy- Understanding self-disclosure in therapy- Navigating personal experiences as therapists- The role of social media in therapy- Navigating boundaries in therapy- Recognizing harmful therapist behaviors- The importance of communication in therapy- Finding the right therapist- Empowerment in therapy choicesResources:Open Path CollectiveYou can find and follow Erica Zaldivar on instagram: @ericazlmftFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's Listener Series episode, we welcome Alex. Alex had a scheduled c-section for her second birth experience. She experienced hemmorhaging, requiring an immediate D&C followed by an ICU stay. Alex eventually required transfer via helicopter to a city hospital for specialized treatment and dialysis. She spent 38 days away from her family. Alex was discharged on dialysis and shares  what it was like to experience a life-changing diagnosis after a traumatic birth experience.On this episode, you will hear:- aHUS- extended ICU stay- dialysis- hemorrhages- D&C- hospital transfer- role of support systems during hospitalization- finding strength in vulnerabilityFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's episode, we welcome Dr. Kimberley Johnson - a psychologist who works with clients with a range of maternal and reproductive health concerns, including PMADs, perinatal trauma and loss, infertility, and life-impacting gynecological conditions. Her research is primarily centered on childbirth-related pelvic floor injuries and conditions and intersections with mental health. In this episode, we talk about chronic pain and how it intersects with mental health and specifically in this community with perinatal trauma. Your pain is real  and valid and as Dr. Johnson shares, pain being “all in your head” is actually true, but not because you're making it up. Pain originates in our brain, so our key to working with chronic pain might just be there as well. On this episode, you will hear:- intersection of chronic pain and birth trauma- understanding the biopsychosocial model- the impact of birth injuries- Kimberley's personal journey with chronic pain- reframing pain: from danger to sensory experiences- role of fear in pain perception- redefining relationships with pain- role of natural pathways in pain management- building confidence in managing pain- pain reprocessing therapy- interconnectedness of pain and psychological wellbeingYou can find Dr. Kimberley on Instagram at @wildmatrescence or email her at drkimberleyjohnson@gmail.com!Resources:The Pain Reprocessing Therapy WorkbookGuest Bio:Kimberley Johnson completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Utah, predoctoral clinical internship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, and is now an NIH-funded postdoctoral fellow at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center with complementary research and clinical interests. She works with clients with a range of maternal and reproductive health concerns, including PMADs, perinatal trauma and loss, infertility, and life-impacting gynecological conditions. Her research is primarily centered on childbirth-related pelvic floor injuries and conditions and intersections with mental health. In addition to enhancing evidence-based mental health treatment and resources for those impacted, she is passionate about improving patient-provider communication patterns surrounding birth-related trauma and injuries in the perinatal period. Alongside her professional work, she is the mother of two young children and enjoys mountain biking, hiking, camping, and Nordic skiing with her family.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's listener series episode, we welcome Brittney. Brittney shares her 2 birth trauma experiences with us. Due to Covid procedures, she was forced to deliver her first baby without her husband and her baby went to the NICU before she had a chance to see him. Her subsequent birth experience was also traumatic due to loss and a potential diagnosis in pregnancy, as well as postpartum complications. Brittney shares about the importance of healing and how trauma-informed care supported her healing journey..On this episode, you will hear:- Pregnancy challenges during COVID-19- Induction and hospital policies- Isolating birth experience- C-section and advocacy in the birth room- NICU experience and emotional turmoil- Postpartum trauma and mental health- Miscarriage - Navigating a subsequent pregnancy and birth trauma experience- Postpartum complications, anxiety, and recovery- D&C due to retained placentaIf you have a birth trauma story you would like to share with us, click this link and fill out the form. For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's episode, we welcome Dr. Lawren Honken - a board-certified OBGYN, certified menopause practitioner and a current integrative medicine fellow at George Washington University.  We're tackling all things hormones after emergency hysterectomy. On this episode, you will hear:- Birth trauma and hysterectomy- Understanding types of hysterectomy - Impact of hysterectomy on hormones- Clinical decisions in a hysterectomy- Research on ovarian function post-hysterectomy- Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause- The role of hormone testing and challenges- Navigating hormonal changes after surgery- Finding qualified menopause practitioners- The role, risks, and options of hormone replacement therapyResources:Estrogen Matters by Arum Bluming, MD & Carol Tavris, PhDYou Are Not Broken by Kelly CaspersonThe Menopause SocietyYou can follow Dr. Lawren Honken on Instagram: @yourfriendtheobgynGuest Bio:Lawren Honken, MD, received her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia. She completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Augusta University Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's episode, we are rereleasing our Navigating the Holidays episode where Kayleigh talks about birth trauma and navigating the holidays. The holidays can be triggering for many whether its navigating an anniversary around the holidays or family members asking questions about your trauma or future family planning.Things you will hear on this episode: - navigating first holidays after trauma- coping with an anniversary of birth trauma that falls around the holidays  - family conversations: establishing coping skills, support plans and boundariesFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's Listener Series episode, we welcome Libby to share her story with us. Libby experienced a missed miscarriage and then became pregnant again shortly after. Libby suffered a cord prolapse while still at home and was brought by ambulance to her hospital for an emergency c-section under general anesthesia. Libby shares how she has processed her trauma and started EMDR therapy in her subsequent pregnancy which helped her navigate a VBAC.On this episode, you will hear:- missed miscarriage- cord prolapse- emergency transport- emergency c-section under general anesthesia- NICU stay- subsequent pregnancy and VBAC- EMDR therapyFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's episode, we welcome HeHe from Tranquility by Hehe, a doula and content creator in the birth education space. In this episode, we tackle the nuance of birth education, including how we approach conversations around birth education that support empowerment and autonomy while also leaving room for the unexpected - this is a complicated and sometimes messy conversation but we really wanted to tackle it. On this episode, you will hear:- Understanding birth trauma- Navigating healthcare provider relationships- The role of inductions - Finding balance in birth choices- Empowering through birth education- The importance of support systems- Navigating social media and birth conversations- Ideal maternity care and birth choicesYou can follow HeHe on Instagram: @tranquilitybyheheGuest Bio:Haley "HeHe" Stewart is the founder of Tranquility by Hehe Maternity Concierge, a company that helps birthing people manage their birth experience. She has a Master's degree in Human Development and Family Studies. HeHe started Tranquility by Hehe in 2016. She has learned how to support families going through NICU stays, and how to prepare clients for them. She has also witnessed the compassion and abuse that can occur in NICUs.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's episode, we welcome Sarah to our Listener Series. Sarah has shared part of her story on our blog before. Today she tells us about her three separate birth traumas. Her first son was born at 30 weeks and had a NICU stay, her second son she had during COVID and she experienced postpartum preeclampsia and a stroke, and her third birth trauma she experienced shoulder dystocia and preeclampsia. On this episode, you will hear:- NICU stay- pregnancy during COVID- postpartum preeclampsia with a stroke- shoulder dystocia- navigating subsequent pregnancies- therapy and healing process- support systems and communities- reflections on growthFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's episode, we welcome back Dr. Frankie Harrison, clinical psychologist and co-founder of Miracle Moon UK. We talk all things NICU and health anxiety. Frankie and her co-founder also run an incredible community called The NICU Space, providing all things support for NICU parents and really facilitating that connection that so many people are craving after a NICU experience and birth trauma.On this episode, you will hear:- understanding health anxiety- the impact of NICU on parental anxiety- trauma and its connection to health anxiety- coping strategies for health anxiety- community support and resources for parents- validating experiences and seeking helpFollow Frankie and her work with the NICU Space by Miracle Moon UK on instagram @miraclemoonuk or visit their website: miracle moon.co.ukGuest Bio:Dr. Frankie Harrison is a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist and has been supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing for over 13 years.Frankie qualified from her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Leicester in 2017 and has since worked in a number of different mental health settings and across the lifespan, however, currently specialises in supporting NICU parents, past, present and future.Frankie's passion for helping parents who have been through neonatal care started after having her son prematurely due to Pre-eclampsia at 31 weeks in 2019.She then decided that she wanted to use her skills as a Clinical Psychologist and her unique position of having combined lived experience to support other parents in a similar situation. This combination helps Frankie to really understand what NICU parents have been through; she has lived it and is able to support you through it.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's episode, we are changing things up and rereleasing one of our Listener Series episodes that we feel is critical to consider on the eve of the presidential election.We welcome Kayla to share her story with us. Her first pregnancy and delivery with their daughter was traumatic after developing severe preeclampsia. On Mother's Day 2022, Kayla found out she was pregnant with their son Brooks. At their anatomy scan, Brooks was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, critical aortic stenosis, and several other heart defects that meant he would not survive delivery. With the recent abortion laws in the state of Idaho, Kayla and her family were put in the situation to seek abortion care out of state adding to the already traumatic diagnosis for their son. On this episode you will hear: - Challenges of accessing abortion care in the state of Idaho- TFMR & navigating abortion care in a restrictive state- The financial burden of having to travel out of state for care- Advocacy for reproductive rights and abortion care.If you have a birth trauma story you would like to share with us, click this link and fill out the form. For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's episode, we welcome Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN. Dr. Dekker is the founder and CEO of Evidenced Based Birth. We discuss evidence-based birth and why we have such a gap between the research and actual practice in obstetrics.On this episode, you will hear:- what is evidence-based birth- personal experiences shaping evidence-based birth- researches and practices in labor and delivery- evidence/practice gap in obstetrics- preventing birth trauma through better practices- the importance of communication in the medical setting- empowering patients through consent- navigating birth education and trauma- advocacy skills for parents and healthcare workers- systemic challenges in maternity careCheck out Evidence Based Birth HERE!Follow them at @ebbirthGuest Bio:Dr. Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN, is the founder and CEO of Evidence Based Birth(R). After earning her Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD in Nursing, Rebecca embarked on a career as a nurse scientist and teacher. In 2016, she left academia to become a full-time entrepreneur and consumer advocate for evidence based care. Rebecca lives in Lexington, Kentucky, where she and her husband Dan are raising three children and an assortment of pets. Babies Are Not Pizzas is her first book.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's listener episode, we welcome Kate. After a relatively uncomplicated IVF pregnancy, Kate went into spontaneous labor at full term and experienced a peaceful labor and delivery at the hospital. After her daughter was born, she suffered a postpartum hemorrhage and 3rd-degree uterine inversion. Kate shares with us her experience of waking up under paralytics and processing her feelings of both fear and gratitude as she navigated healing post-birth trauma.On this episode, you will hear:- PCOS, infertility and IVF- third-degree tear and hemorrhage- mass transfusion protocol and hypervolemic reaction- 3rd degree uterine inversion- uterine artery embolization- the use of paralytics- experiencing "final thoughts"For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's episode, we have another mini series episode! We are talking all things medical records and debriefs.On this episode you will hear:- understanding medical records- process of requesting medical records- the importance of debriefs- empowering patients through effective communicationFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's episode of our Listener Series, we are joined by Lynn. Lynn shares her infertility journey during COVID and her long labor which included a mag drip and retained placenta. She then required two readmissions within the first week home, eventually leading to (after lots of advocating) a diagnosis of PPCM. Lynn reminds us about the importance of advocating for yourself when something doesn't feel right, because you know your body best.On this episode, you will hear:- unexplained infertility- IUI and IVF during COVID- high blood pressure and magnesium drip- retained placenta and tearing- readmitted twice after discharge- cardiology consult - PPCM diagnosis- seeking validationFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this episode, we are joined by Kara Kushnir, LCSW, PMH-C. Kara is a psychotherapist and founder and clinical director of her private practice - A Work of Heart Counseling in New Jersey. We talk about all things OCD and perinatal trauma, but we also highlight Kara's new book "Mama's Thoughts". We hope you enjoy today's episode and that these nuggets of info are helpful for you navigating OCD or perinatal trauma.On this episode, you will hear:- Intersection of OCD and trauma- Understanding mental compulsions in OCD- Effective treatments for OCD and trauma- Perinatal trauma and OCD- Acceptance and moving forwardYou can follow Kara on Instagram @karakushnir_therapistYou can order Kara's book "Mama's Thoughts" HERE!Guest Bio:Kara Kushnir is a psychotherapist and founder of A Work of Heart Counseling & Wellness - a practice based in Northern NJ - as well as an Author and advocate for perinatal mental health, new families and children. When she is not in session with clients or advocating for policy change, you can find Kara training other therapists or with her husband and son relaxing, spending time outdoors and seeking to wind down. Kara brings a wealth of knowledge - both from professional and personal experience - to her work, and hopes to start conversations about maternal mental health to end the silence so many new moms suffer in.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's Listener Series episode, we welcome Megan. She shares with us about her first birth experience where she had a very unexpected crash c-section under general anesthesia. She was officially diagnosed with PPTSD and went through months of therapy and EMDR. She shares how her trauma ultimately led to two scheduled gentle c-sections that were very redemptive for her.On this episode, you will hear:- gestational diabetes and high risk pregnancy- uterine groth restriction- cesarian section under general anesthesia- therapy and EMDR- changing hospitals for subsequent pregnancies- redemptive subsequent cesarian sectionsFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's episode, we welcome Dr. Nikki Pensak - a licensed clinical psychologist certified in perinatal mental health. Dr. Pensak is the author of "RATTLED" which discusses how to calm new mom anxiety with the power of the postpartum brain.  On this episode, you will hear:- perinatal anxiety- addressing mom guilt and shame- managing anxiety and detaching from constant monitoring- reframing "mommy brain" and embracing cognitive boosts- the intersection of anxiety and trauma in motherhood- the pressure to be a perfect parent and the importance of self-compassion- validating and supporting mothers in their journeyYou can find and follow Dr. Nikki Pensak on Instagram: @drnikkipensakYou can order her book RATTLED here!Guest Bio:Dr. Nikki Pensak received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from University of Rhode Island and completed her APA accredited internship and specialty training in behavioral medicine at Yale School of Medicine. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital/ Harvard Medical School in psychiatric oncology and an NIH T32 fellowship at the University of  Colorado, Anschutz Medical Center in Aging and Palliative Care. As a Harvard and Yale-trained Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Pensak provides anxiety, depression, and trauma therapy that is empirically-based  treatment that is uniquely tailored to meet the needs of each client.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

This week's Listener Series episode, we welcome Claire. Claire is an LCSW and a Medical Social Worker in the oncology field. She shares with us her infertility journey, and her blissful pregnancy, and the quick turn of events into a traumatic birth. She shares vulnerably about her healing process and how important communication and accountability is in the recovery journey.On this episode, you will hear:- Infertility and IVF- Guilt and challenges in the postpartum period- The power of external validation and support- The importance of repair and validation in the healing process- Emotional and physical challenges in recovery- The role of therapy in healing and the power of sharing storiesFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On our first episode of the mini-series, we will be tackling a commonly asked about topic- How to find a new OBGYN after birth trauma. What you'll hear:- Where to search for new OBGYN practices- How to decide on which practice OBGYN to choose- What questions to askFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's listener series episode, Jess shares the birth story of her daughter, the second of her four children. Jess' birth was mostly uncomplicated until immediately following her delivery via csection when breathing became difficult and her heart rate skyrocketed. Jess' heart was failing and her doctors scrambled to keep her alive. Through the use of ECMO and Impella, along with many other interventions and procedures Jess' life was saved. She shares more about what lead to her heart failure and subsequent cardiac arrest along with her two subsequent pregnancies/births in this episode.  On this episode, you will hear:- Retrograde amnesia- High blood pressure in pregnancy- Cardiac arrest and the use of Impella and ECMO- Discovering a tumor and surgery following- Subsequent c-sections and healing processIf you have a birth trauma story you would like to share with us, click this link and fill out the form. For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

This week we welcome Dr. Jasmine, PharmD, PMH-C. Jasmine is a clinical pharmacist and a maternal mental health advocate. We talk all things only children and Jasmine's journey to making the decision to have an only child after her experience with postpartum depression. We dive deep into what it means to either have to make this choice or have this choice made for you and all the feelings and nuance wrapped up in having an only child, as well as the societal expectations and pressure and biases. I hope this episode is helpful and validating whether you are planning to have an only child or are still in the midst of making that decision.On this episode, you will hear:- the impact of postpartum depression and insomnia- the journey to choosing an only child life- navigating societal pressure and stereotypes- grief and complex emotions in the decision-making process- the nuance of the in-between space- the impact of trauma and fear in decision-making- the freedom of making a decision and prioritizing mental healthYou can find and follow Jasmine on Instagram @pearlsofjasmine and follow her podcast as well @healingthetigressGuest Bio:Dr. Jasmine, PharmD, PMH-C, is a clinical pharmacist with a perinatal mental health certification (PMH-C)! She is also a podcast co-host of Healing the Tigress and has a blog where she shares insights on maternal mental health and travel as a coping skill. Her goal is to be as helpful as possible and to spread awareness that mental health is just as important as physical health. Jasmine is a proud mama of a little girl and also a proud survivor of postpartum depression and anxiety.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's Listener Series, we welcome Rachel to share her experience with us. Rachel shares with us her experience of a high-risk pregnancy due to gestational diabetes and a vacuum delivery following an induction. She shares what it was like to experience hallucinations related to her IV pain medication and for her experiences and preferences to be dismissed. She also discusses the grief of missing the golden hour because her son required a NICU stay. On this episode, you will hear:- Severe morning sickness- Gestational Diabetes and Anxiety- Failed epidural- Unsupportive nurses - D-MER- Health anxiety related to babyFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

On this week's episode, we welcome Katie Taylor, Child Life Specialist and CEO & Founder of Child Life On Call - a support and resource provider to families & care teams through strategic partnerships with healthcare organizations. Child Life On Call enhances care & support with innovative, trauma-informed, and child life specialist-based solutions tailored ensure every family feels like an empowered part of the care team. We have such an interesting conversation around Child Life Specialists and the ways they can impact care for babies and children during medical challenges.On this episode, you will hear:- What is a child life specialist?- Child life in the NICU- Child life in pediatrics- The power of play and validation- Education and advocacy in child life specialists- Supporting siblings of children with medical challenges- Integrating child life practices into every day life- Support Spot App- The power of child-friendly language and validating emotions- Advocating for pediatric-focused care and comfort measuresYou can learn more about Child Life On Call by following their Instagram: @childlifeoncall and visiting their website.You can also download the Support Spot App here.Guest Bio:Katie Taylor received her Bachelor of Arts at Penn State University and she did her practicum at Children's National Medical Center. She did her internship at Inova Children's Hospital and received a fellowship in Hem/Onc & Adolescent Medicine at Inova Children's Hospital.Katie has over 12 years of Clinical Experience in PICU, ER, Adult, Outpatient, Inpatient Services and is an international and national speaker on Child Life Services.By leveraging technology, and putting education and support into an easy-to-use app, Katie Taylor found a way to empower patients, their families, and the care team, and expand access to child life services to people who needed it the most.The key to better care is here, and it fits in the palm of your hand. Let me show you what the Child Life On Call app can do for you.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.