Podcasts about Birth trauma

My friend Alicia is opening up about healing the traumas she experienced giving birth. You'll hear how these painful experiences opened her up to things she never would have expected, like psychedelics and listening to her ancestors. Alicia Taverner, LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist in Southern California specializing in trauma, relationships, and psychedelic integration. Her work explores the intersection of psychotherapy, psychedelic integration, Indigenous wisdom, and the lifelong practice of remembering who we are. Here's some of what we talked about: Having panic attacks and intrusive thoughts after the birth of her son Getting on medication and going to a weekend training Having birth trauma with her second birth Exploring healing with psychedelics Working through her birth traumas with redo experiences Continuing this healing work little by little Doing indigenous work with psilocybin in an apprenticeship program Connecting with her ancestors and guides Becoming a much more spiritual person How her healing journey has changed her work as a therapist Show notes at https://anniezam.com/podcast/262

A difficult or traumatic birth experience can have an impact long after the baby is born. In this episode, Deb sits down with Dr. Kenga Sivarajah, a Consultant Obstetrician with expertise in high-risk obstetrics, maternal medicine, and perinatal mental health, to explore what birth trauma can look like, why it can be difficult to recognize, and what healing can involve. Dr. Sivarajah brings both an obstetric and psychiatric perspective to the conversation, offering a holistic look at the connection between the physical experience of birth, the nervous system, and postpartum mental health. Together, they discuss why parents may feel dismissed when they share a difficult birth experience, how trauma can show up in the weeks and months after birth, and what meaningful postpartum support should look like. They also explore what birth preparation can—and can't—do to help, when psychiatric support may be appropriate, the role of medication and non-medication approaches, and how partners and birth professionals can recognize when someone needs additional care. Most importantly, this conversation reinforces that a healthy baby does not erase the emotional impact of a difficult birth, and that parents deserve support in processing what happened. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Jess to talk about two vastly different birth experiences, the power of community, and how motherhood transformed not only the way she parents, but the woman she has become.Jess shares her journey from a fast-paced corporate career to unexpectedly becoming a mother during the COVID-19 pandemic. She reflects on preparing for an empowering physiological birth, experiencing the uninterrupted stillness of postpartum lockdowns, and later facing a completely different reality when a hidden placental haemorrhage led to an emergency caesarean birth at just 33 weeks and a NICU stay with her second baby. Together, we explore birth trauma, premature birth, the emotional complexity of having a baby in NICU, and the importance of processing difficult birth experiences rather than carrying them alone. Jess speaks candidly about rebuilding after trauma, trusting her intuition, and why every mother deserves access to compassionate birth trauma support. We also talk about the profound identity shift that comes with motherhood, leaving behind a successful corporate career, embracing slower seasons of life, and discovering a new passion for supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. One of the most beautiful parts of Jess's story is how loneliness led her to create the village she longed for - quite literally introducing herself to mothers walking past her house until a thriving community began to grow. This is a conversation about birth, healing, matrescence, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone. It's a reminder that while motherhood rarely unfolds the way we imagine, it often leads us exactly where we were meant to be.If you've experienced birth trauma, a NICU journey, the loneliness of early motherhood, or you're longing to find your village, I hope Jess's story reminds you that healing happens in connection, and sometimes all it takes is one brave conversation to change everything.Resources mentionedBooksTen Moons – Jane Hardwicke CollingsThe First Forty Days – Heng OuIna May's Guide to Breastfeeding – Ina May GaskinBooks by Sarah J. BuckleyAuthors & EducatorsJane Hardwicke CollingsIna May GaskinSarah J. BuckleyTopics discussed: physiological birth, birth trauma, emergency caesarean, placental abruption, retroplacental haematoma, NICU, premature birth, postpartum recovery, birth debriefing, breastfeeding, postpartum planning, motherhood identity, matrescence, career change, postpartum support, village-building, community, women's circles, motherhood friendship, intuition, COVID pregnancy, home birth planning, healing after birth trauma.

We talk about a lot of things that people don't want to talk about or even hear. Still, they are very real, challenging, and difficult circumstances surrounding pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. It's important to share these stories because these difficulties become a reality for many people. Today's show focuses on birth trauma and breastfeeding as we hear our guest's personal account. Erin Northrup is a mom of four busy children, ranging in age from 2 to 10. She lives in Atlantic Canada, where she enjoys spending time in nature with her family. With the birth of her oldest child, Jack, she experienced birth trauma, and this experience sparked her passion for researching trauma. Erin holds a bachelor's in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master's in Health Services Research. Her current research explores the experience of breastfeeding after birth trauma. Her own experience of breastfeeding after birth trauma inspired her to become a volunteer with a breastfeeding support organization offering community-based, peer-to-peer breastfeeding support. She is committed to raising awareness of the intersection of birth trauma, breastfeeding, and perinatal mental health. Show Highlights: Erin's birth trauma experience with the birth of her son, Jack, now 10 How her OB prepared her to have a C-section because of an ambiguous condition How Erin's water broke a week early, and her spinal didn't take, so the C-section proceeded under general anesthesia, while Erin felt dissociated from the entire experience In recovery, she was told that her son was taken to the NICU because of low blood sugar, and she couldn't see him yet How Erin's mom, a physician, stepped in to advocate for Erin to see her son While eating breakfast a few hours after the birth, Erin felt a popping sensation in her incision and felt a gush of blood Erin was rushed back to the OR, and the spinal worked this time while Erin cried on the table--all of this was before she had even held her baby How Erin was repeatedly spoken about like she wasn't even in the room; she felt like her input wasn't even important When Erin got home, survival mode kicked in, and she regretted not advocating more strongly for herself How Erin questioned whether or not her son was even the right baby, worrying that a mix-up could have occurred in the hospital because neither she nor her husband witnessed his birth How she determined to “make it up” to her son by breastfeeding him How the Ob told her at two months postpartum that her condition should not have warranted a C-section in the first place---which just made everything worse How Erin felt an erosion of trust in her doctors and the medical system How Erin asked where the growth and meaning was in her situation and how she could use her experience to help others Erin applied to a Master's program and went on to have three more kids with positive birth experiences How Erin found support for breastfeeding What Erin has found in her research by asking mothers about their experience with birth trauma and breastfeeding The magnitude of the response she has received, but the difficulty in hearing the painful stories of birth trauma The results from Erin's research: Birth trauma is destabilizing to the breastfeeding process because of the physical and emotional pain in childbirth and the postpartum period from mistreatment The importance of trauma-informed care How women with these experiences feel like the trauma is somehow their fault What care providers should be aware of in their work Resources: ⁠Instagram: Live Learn Lactate⁠ Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit⁠ cdph.ca.gov⁠ Please find resources in English and Spanish at⁠ Postpartum Support International⁠, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: ⁠Instagram⁠,⁠ Facebook⁠, and most other platforms. Visit ⁠www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/⁠ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website,⁠ www.wellmindperinatal.com⁠, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, ⁠email me⁠ about openings for private pay clients! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Jenna to talk about infertility, IVF, birth trauma, emotional regulation, and learning to trust yourself through motherhood.Jenna shares her long road to becoming a mother, from navigating endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, and IVF during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, to welcoming her two boys after years of longing. She reflects on the heartbreak of infertility, the emotional toll of repeated setbacks, and the profound gratitude that followed becoming a mother.Together, we explore two traumatic birth experiences, the grief of an unexpected emergency caesarean, and the deep disappointment of preparing for a VBAC that ultimately ended the same way. Jenna speaks openly about birth trauma, postpartum mental health, infant feeding challenges, and the pressure she placed on her body after feeling it had "failed" her through infertility, birth, and breastfeeding.We also discuss motherhood identity, accepting help, raising emotionally secure boys, body image after motherhood, and the ongoing work of learning to regulate our own emotions while teaching our children to regulate theirs. Jenna shares how motherhood has transformed her confidence, strengthened her relationships, and taught her to trust her instincts above the endless noise of conflicting advice.This is an honest conversation about resilience, healing, letting go of perfection, and discovering that motherhood isn't about getting everything right, it's about showing up, repairing when we need to, and growing alongside our children.If you've experienced infertility, IVF, birth trauma, difficult postpartum emotions, or you've ever questioned whether your body has let you down, I hope Jenna's story reminds you that healing is possible, and that your worth has never been defined by how your motherhood journey began.Resources mentioned:Australian VBAC Stories PodcastAustralian Birth StoriesJess UrlichsMatrescent MuseRaising Boys – Maggie DentCatherine DennyEmma HeaphyTopics discussed:IVF, infertility, endometriosis, PCOS, blocked fallopian tubes, COVID fertility treatment, birth trauma, emergency caesarean, VBAC, birth debrief, postpartum mental health, breastfeeding challenges, formula feeding, body image, motherhood identity, emotional regulation, raising boys, gentle parenting, motherhood confidence, village, trusting your instincts.Resources mentionedTopics discussed:

What does depression look like? It's not always… sadness. It can be anger. Irritability. Picking fights. Checking out. Taking risks that don't make sense. It can look, to everyone around you — including you — like a character problem, not a medical condition. Christopher Choukalas is an ICU physician at UCSF. Six months after his twin daughters were born, he had every symptom on the paternal postpartum depression list. He had no idea. In this episode, Dr. Becky and Dr. Choukalas go through the symptom list live — and talk about why this form of depression is so easy to miss, what it costs the whole family when it goes unnamed, and what getting help actually looked like for one father who needed it badly. Christopher G. Choukalas, MD, MS is the author of Even the Darkest Night: A Father's Journey of Hope and Healing from Paternal Depression. * Thank you to our partners for making this episode possible: SmartyPants: Shop SmartyPants Vitamins at Target, Walmart, or Amazon today LMNT: Get a free gift with your purchase at drinkLMNT.com/goodinside Girl Scouts: If you have a daughter in kindergarten through 12th grade, visit girlscouts.org to learn more Little Spoon: Get 50% off your first order at littlespoon.com/rattled with code RATTLED Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if preparing for birth isn't just about creating the perfect birth plan—but knowing how to advocate for yourself when the plan changes?In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with Mama Nurse Tina, labor and delivery nurse, mom of four, certified breastfeeding specialist, and the hilarious, unfiltered voice behind a community of more than 1.5 million people.After beginning her nursing career in emergency medicine, Tina found her calling in labor and delivery. Now, she uses her experience inside the delivery room to help parents feel informed, empowered, and a little less terrified about birth and postpartum life.Tina explains why birth trauma isn't always connected to a major medical emergency. Sometimes, it comes from feeling left out of decisions, unheard, or like birth happened to you instead of with you.Samantha and Tina also dig into the misinformation expecting parents encounter online—from vitamin K to gestational diabetes testing—and why your social media feed shouldn't replace conversations with a trusted healthcare provider.Then there's postpartum.Tina believes parents should prepare for postpartum just as much—if not more—than they prepare for birth. They talk honestly about breastfeeding struggles, accepting help, mesh underwear, peri bottles, sore nipples, hospital bags, sleepless nights, and why motherhood rarely looks like the curated version we see online.And because this is The Running Wine Mom, there are plenty of laughs along the way.In This Episode:Why Tina left emergency nursing for labor and deliveryHow humor can help during stressful medical experiencesWhy rigid birth plans can sometimes contribute to disappointment or traumaThe connection between communication and birth traumaHow to advocate for yourself during labor and deliveryWhy your birth support person mattersPregnancy misinformation on social mediaVitamin K and gestational diabetes testing misinformationThe realities of an overwhelmed maternity healthcare systemWhy postpartum deserves as much preparation as childbirthHow to actually help a new momWhy breastfeeding being “natural” doesn't mean it's easyThe breastfeeding expectations that leave new moms feeling defeatedWhy we need to talk about the messy physical realities of postpartum recoveryTina's must-have hospital bag itemWhat your perineum deserves after childbirthThe one book Tina recommends to expecting parentsAnd yes… what really happens to your body during laborOne of the Biggest TakeawaysYou don't need to control every detail of your birth to feel empowered by it.Information matters. Communication matters. Having people around you who understand your wishes matters.And when postpartum arrives? Let people help you.If someone asks what coffee you want, give them the order. If they offer to hold the baby while you sleep, hand over the baby. You were never supposed to do all of this alone.Connect With Mama Nurse TinaFind Tina and her pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum resources at Bump to Latch.Follow her on social media: @mama_nurse_tinaConnect With The Running Wine MomFollow The Running Wine Mom on Instagram: @therunningwinemom_Subscribe to The Running Wine Mom wherever you listen to podcasts and share this episode with an expecting parent, new mom, or anyone who needs a reminder that the messy parts of motherhood deserve to be talked about, too.Medical note: This episode is for education and conversation and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about questions related to your pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, or your baby's care.

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Sarah to talk about severe preeclampsia, birth trauma, and being diagnosed with autism and ADHD after becoming a mother.Sarah shares her experience of a high-risk pregnancy that ended in a traumatic emergency caesarean birth at 35 weeks, a stay in ICU, and a long physical and emotional recovery. Together, we explore what it was like to begin motherhood while recovering from a near-death experience, navigating postpartum PTSD, and learning to bond with her baby while fighting to recover herself.We also discuss the guilt of not loving stay-at-home motherhood in the way she expected, the importance of having an identity beyond motherhood, and why advocating for yourself during pregnancy can be lifesaving. Sarah speaks candidly about missed warning signs, weight bias in healthcare, recognising the symptoms of preeclampsia, and the lasting impact pregnancy complications can have long after birth.Later in the conversation, Sarah shares how motherhood led her to seek an assessment for autism and ADHD, opening the door to a completely new understanding of herself. We explore sensory overwhelm, masking, late diagnosis in women, and why so many mothers discover their neurodivergence after having children.This is an honest conversation about surviving birth trauma, rebuilding after medical complications, embracing neurodivergence, and learning that motherhood can reveal parts of ourselves we never knew existed.If you've experienced preeclampsia, birth trauma, postpartum PTSD, or you've found yourself questioning your own neurodivergence since becoming a mother, I hope Sarah's story helps you feel seen and reminds you that you're not alone.Resources mentionedSay HoorayPerinatal mental health supportTopics discussed: preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, pregnancy complications, emergency caesarean, birth trauma, ICU, postpartum PTSD, postpartum recovery, premature birth, advocacy in pregnancy, medical bias, maternal mental health, motherhood identity, returning to work, autism in women, ADHD in women, AuDHD, late diagnosis, sensory overwhelm, masking, neurodivergent motherhood.

Birth trauma is more common than most doulas realize. Most doula trainings are not preparing doulas to spot it. In this episode, I sit down with Jamie Bodily, MS, LPC, to talk about what the research actually says about how often birth trauma happens, and why the numbers are higher than most people assume. Our conversation covers what birth trauma can look like from a client's perspective. Some signs are obvious. Some show up weeks later and get missed because nobody was looking for them. Jamie breaks down the other mental health factors that may show up alongside it, and why doulas need to know the difference between what's within our scope and what needs a referral. She also walks through how to use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale as a screening tool, and which questions should trigger an immediate referral. There's also the crisis piece. If a client is in a current crisis, we don't have time to research resources from scratch. We need to already know where to send them. This one is for every doula who has left a client visit wondering if what they just witnessed was normal, or something more.

If your sex life basically disappeared after baby, this one's for you, mama.You're touched out, running on fumes, and the LAST thing on your mind is sex - but your partner keeps bringing it up, and now you're stuck in this exhausting cycle of guilt, resentment, and disconnection. Sound familiar?This week I'm sitting down with Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy, a certified sex and couples therapist (and mama of two) who's spent 15 years helping couples navigate exactly this. We're getting real about why your desire disappears after baby, why "just fix the emotional connection and the sex will follow" is actually bad advice, and what's really going on when one partner pursues and the other withdraws.We also dig into resentment, the mental load, reclaiming your body, and why accepting imperfect help from your partner might be the missing piece (pajama drama included

Send us Fan MailThere's a thought a lot of moms have had and almost none of them have said out loud. Maybe it was an image of dropping the baby. Maybe it was something worse. And the second it showed up, the next thought was: what is wrong with me?Dr. Vanessa Komarek is a psychologist who specializes in trauma and PTSD recovery, a powerlifter, and a mom of two under two. She came on to talk about mental load and we ended up somewhere much more honest: birth trauma, intrusive thoughts, and why so much well-meaning postpartum advice lands flat.

Send us Fan MailOn today's episode, we're sitting down with Melodye Phillips, a perinatal mental health certified licensed professional counselor supervisor and certified eating disorder specialist who owns and operates her own practice in East Texas. Melodye specializes in working with mothers through pregnancy, postpartum, loss, complicated pregnancies, birth trauma, and disordered eating. And she brings something to this work that goes beyond her credentials. She's a perinatal mental health disorder survivor, she's a loss mama, she has three kids of her own. Her experience in this field isn't just professional. It's personal, and it shows in the way that she talks about this work. We'll talk about it all today, what it means to hold space for mothers in some of their hardest moments, and what it looks like when the person doing the work has lived some of those moments herself. Oh, and let's just say that delivering a baby can take some unexpected turns. There was an incident involving a squirrel, a transformer, and electricity at the hospital. We don't want to spoil it. We'll let Melodye do the honors. So without any further ado, please sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode with our friend Melodye.Mentioned on today's episode:Perinatal Eating Disorder Support GroupLearn about The ClimbLearn more about HELLP SyndromePodcast: MomwellReading: The Red Rising SeriesMusic: Noah Kahan's The Great DivideConnect with Melodye: Maternal Mental Health of East TexasInterested in sharing your story?Fill out our podcast interest form here! Questions about the I AM ONE Podcast?Email Dani Giddens - dani@postpartum.net--------------------------------------------------------------------Connect by PSI - Download PSI's New App!Apple VersionAndroid Version Visit PSI's website: https://www.postpartum.netFind free resources & info on certification, training, and other incredible programs!Call or text 'HELP' to the PSI Helpline: 1-800-944-4773 Not feeling like yourself? Looking for some support? You never need a diagnosis to ask for help.National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (U.S. only): 1-833-852-6262Free and confidential Hotline for parents, providers & support people in English and Spanish.Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S. & Canada): 988Free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for pro...

In this episode, we hear from Emma, whose first birth began unexpectedly when her waters broke at just 35 weeks. Living with a rare uterine anomaly (uterus didelphys), a breech baby, and gestational diabetes, she found herself navigating a rapidly unfolding labour alongside a healthcare team that left her feeling unheard at one of the most vulnerable moments of her life.Despite repeatedly asking questions and trying to understand her options, Emma's concerns were dismissed as her labour intensified. What followed was an emergency caesarean under general anaesthetic after her baby's foot prolapsed, and the beginning of a difficult postpartum journey with a premature baby in special care.When Emma became pregnant again, she knew she couldn't simply move forward without first processing what had happened. Supported by the student midwife who had stood beside her during her first birth (then a fully qualified midwife) she slowly rebuilt her confidence, worked through the anxiety of another pregnancy, and prepared for a hospital VBAC.Emma shares the impact of feeling dismissed during labour, the importance of compassionate continuity of care, living with a double uterus, navigating pregnancy after birth trauma, and the journey towards trusting herself again.This is a powerful conversation about advocacy, healing, and discovering that a difficult first birth doesn't have to define every birth that follows.We hope you enjoy it!Please join us on our journey to bringing you all kinds of VBAC stories from across the country from here on in by subscribing and following us on social media, @australianvbacstories on Instagram and Australian VBAC Stories on Facebook. If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love to rate or review, and tell your friends!If you are feeling that you might benefit from mental health support after listening to our podcast, please reach out to one of the organisations below:PANDA https://panda.org.au/Gidget Foundation https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/COPE Australia https://www.cope.org.au/If you've experienced mistreatment or disrespectful care in your pregnancy, birth or postpartum and are seeking advocacy support, please contact one of the following organisations:Maternity Choices Australia https://www.maternitychoices.org/Maternity Consumer Network https://www.maternityconsumernetwork.org.au/Thank you for tuning in to our podcast.

Ep. 468: The Know Your Rights Map: Obstetrical Violence, Birth Trauma, and Patient Rights in the Hospital Birth Room with Cristen Pascucci [Re-Air of Ep. 203] In this Birth Lounge Podcast episode, host HeHe interviews Kristen Pascucci, founder of Birth Monopoly, about birth trauma and obstetric violence in hospital birth. They discuss trauma as a self-defined response that overwhelms the system, common trauma/PTSD symptoms (intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, physical reactions, triggers including the hospital or even the baby), and the overlap with prior sexual trauma. Pascucci explains obstetric violence as appropriation of the birthing person's body and subordination through coercion, manipulation, pressure, disrespect, and power dynamics, ranging from jokes about birth plans to forced procedures; vaginal exams without true informed consent are highlighted as a common example. They also cover reporting options (hospital complaints, state licensing boards, lawsuits) and why accountability is often limited, including low disciplinary rates and barriers to malpractice cases, and share resources at birthmonopoly.com including an obstetric violence map. 00:00 Accountability and Advocacy 02:06 Informed Consent Basics 04:09 Meet Cristen Pascucci 05:34 What Birth Trauma Means 09:23 Trauma Symptoms and Triggers 16:13 Defining Obstetric Violence 20:13 The Pyramid of Harm 21:39 Common Example Vaginal Exams 33:02 Reporting and Medical Boards 45:29 Resources and Closing   Guest Bio: A former communications strategist at a top public affairs firm in Baltimore, Maryland, Cristen Pascucci is the founder of Birth Monopoly and Birth Monopoly's Doula Power group, co-creator of the Exposing the Silence Project, and, from 2012 to 2016, vice president of national advocacy organization Improving Birth. She has run an emergency hotline for women facing threats to their legal rights in childbirth, created a viral consumer campaign to “Break the Silence” on trauma and abuse in childbirth, and helped put obstetric violence and the maternity care crisis in national media. Today, she is a leading voice for women giving birth, speaking around the country and consulting privately for consumers and professionals on issues related to birth rights and options. Cristen​ ​is also the host of Birth Allowed Radio as well as executive producer of a documentary film planned for release in 2020 to start a national conversation on obstetric violence, birth trauma, and women's rights in birth. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Cristen on IG: https://www.instagram.com/birthmonopoly facebook.com/birthmonopoly BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

Tarla and Angela cover a diverse range of stories this week! First, to the wins: including Sam Neill's masculinity and the New York initiative giving parents a night off.We share the reality of birth trauma in Australia and what more can be done to support women's health overall.Plus, we venture (again) into the women-and-AI discussion, following the Prime Minister's AI speech this week.In the second half of the pod, Women in Digital CEO Holly Hunt joins the podcast for a critical conversation on the women and AI, including concerns about women's jobs being at risk.You can learn more about Holly Hunt here.Plus check out our latest stories (and daily news coverage) on Women's Agenda, where you can also subscribe to our lunchtime daily news update.This week's discussed stories include:Zohran Mamdani's latest policy recognises what modern parents really needStrong and caring: In praise of Sam Neill's masculinityThere is no 'bouncing back' from childbirth trauma without knowledge and resourcesOnly one woman on Australia's highest-paid CEO list as top boss pockets $48 millionAI could fast unwind our women's workforce participation rate. We need more than historical reassuranceAI could fast unwind our women's workforce participation rateFurther show notesBirth trauma. Check out the Australasian Birth Trauma Association for more information, plus PANDA's National Helpline (1300 726 306), and the National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66).Sam Neill. Died 13 July 2026 in Sydney, aged 78; survived by four children and eight grandchildren. Family noted the death was sudden and unexpected, following pneumonia after he'd recently been declared cancer-free.Anthony Albanese's AI speech. Delivered Wednesday 15 July in Sydney. Office of AI within PM&C; faster approvals; data centres to underwrite new energy generation; mandatory standards legislated by early 2027 via national cabinet; copyright pushback.The DEWR figures are all from AI and Employment in Australia, and covered in the story linked above. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the pain your child carries began not at their birth, but at yours?Josh Trent welcomes Eyla Cuenca, Birth Trauma Alchemist and Doula, to the Wellness + Wisdom Podcast, episode 825, to explore why birth trauma lives in the body for decades, how unprocessed grief silently passes from mother to child across generations, and why the moment a woman stops making someone else the villain in her birth story is the moment real healing finally begins.In This Episode, Eyla Cuenca Uncovers:(03:50) How Generational Baggage Shapes Birth(09:25) Unconscious Agreements in Child Birth(14:20) Men's Role in Child Birth(20:45) The Dogma Of Free Birth(27:00) The Alchemy of Birth and Trauma Healing(30:00) From Trauma to Peace, Power, and Wisdom(36:15) Readiness Is the Signal(41:40) Pain Shouldn't Be Part of The Body(48:55) The Dangers of Ultrasound(57:35) Receiving Is the Lesson(01:01:55) The Man's Daily Death and Rebirth(01:08:15) The Third Entity within a Sacred Union(01:13:10) Learning from Your Children

This week's episode is a solo conversation about one of the most complicated parts of healing after birth trauma: anniversaries.Whether it's your baby's birthday, the day you were admitted to the hospital, your NICU discharge, or another date tied to your experience, trauma anniversaries can bring up overwhelming emotions, even years later. Kayleigh shares why these reactions are so common, what is actually happening in the nervous system, and practical ways to care for yourself as these significant dates approach.If you've ever wondered why your baby's birthday feels both joyful and heartbreaking, or felt guilty for dreading a day that's "supposed" to be celebrated, this episode is a reminder that you're not broken, and you're certainly not alone.In This Episode, We Discuss:

Today's episode focuses on the narrative style of therapy, and it's a topic that we haven't covered on the podcast before. We always want to explore new therapeutic approaches and the various ways they can offer healing and support for more women. Everyone needs to know about the different therapies that are available to them. Join us to learn more! Dr. Lyneia Richardson is a mother, healer, and licensed psychologist who works as a maternal mental health advocate dedicated to revitalizing the spirit of all mamas. She received her BA in psychology from North Carolina A&T State University and a master's in mental health counseling from Johns Hopkins University. After earning a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Howard University, she focused her work on decolonizing therapy and education through a mothering praxis. She is currently a professor of counseling at McDaniel College and the proud owner of ⁠Melanated Women's Therapy LLC. Dr. Richardson recently published ⁠Mothering As A Work of Art⁠, an anthology collection of personal narratives exploring the multiple dimensions of black mothering aimed at changing the narrative on mothering and what it means to mother in contemporary times. In today's episode, she discusses these topics and the value of using narrative therapy as a pathway through healing birth trauma.  Show Highlights: The narrative approach: to externalize and separate yourself from the problem (It's the opposite of self-blaming and internalizing issues, challenges, and traumas.) Understanding the difference between storytelling and narrative The common experience for women of all races is not being listened to by their doctors and nurses Dr. Richardson's personal birth story and her work with social justice and advocacy to amplify the voices of black mothers The challenge in advocacy work Broadening the network to have a bigger outreach to help moms Collective healing and community healing Empowerment through a support network Trying to normalize the struggle when social media makes everyone else's life look perfect ⁠Mothering As A Work of Art⁠: How the book came to be Being a creative mom The value of sharing stories as a form of healing and therapy Resources: Connect with Dr. Lyneia Richardson ⁠Website⁠, ⁠Melanated Women's Therapy LLC⁠, Instagram⁠, Mothering As A Work of Art⁠ Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov. Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773.  There are many free resources, such as online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in providing services. You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course.  Visit my website at www.wellmindperinatal.com for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!  If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Tara, a mum of two, former emergency nurse, and founder of Proud Poppy, to talk about birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, and rebuilding yourself through motherhood.Tara shares her journey through a difficult first experience of motherhood, including a traumatic birth, postpartum anxiety and depression, infant feeding challenges, and the weight of trying to create the "perfect" family life she never had growing up. Together, we explore the pressure so many mothers place on themselves, the realities of maternal mental health, body image after children, and the lifelong work of healing childhood wounds while raising children of your own.We also discuss how motherhood became the catalyst for creating Proud Poppy, the clothing brand and community that grew from Tara's desire to help women feel seen, comfortable, and confident in their bodies. From fertility struggles and motherhood guilt to entrepreneurship, self-acceptance, and letting go of impossible standards, Tara's story is a powerful reminder that motherhood can become the beginning of finding yourself—not the end of who you are.Please note: This conversation was recorded around two years ago, so some details of Tara's business and family life have naturally changed since then. The heart of this conversation, however, remains just as relevant.If you've experienced birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, postnatal depression, or you're navigating the challenge of healing while raising your own children, I hope Tara's story reminds you that growth is possible and that you're not alone.Topics discussed: birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, postnatal depression, childhood trauma, healing childhood wounds, body image after pregnancy, entrepreneurship, Proud Poppy, self-acceptance, motherhood identity, maternal mental health, motherhood.

Former MP Theo Clarke joins Giovanna this week to share the story of how the birth of her daughter led her to become a campaigner for better maternity care.Theo talks about navigating pregnancy while working in politics, including the challenges of having no statutory maternity leave as an MP and the pressure of being on duty during a period of major political upheaval.She also opens up about her traumatic birth experience and the lack of adequate postnatal support she received afterwards, experiences that led her to launch the first UK parliamentary debate on birth trauma. Since then, she has continued campaigning alongside Louise Thompson for the introduction of an independent maternity commissioner.UPDATE: Since recording this episode, the government has announced the appointment of the UK's first-ever Maternity and Neonatal Commissioner, as part of efforts to improve maternity and neonatal care across England. Links:Follow Theo on Substack Breaking the Taboo bookBirth Trauma AssociationMaternity Commissioner PetitionOur interview with Louise ThompsonDo you follow our new Substack yet? Join the private village behind the podcast! xx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode is a solo conversation tackling one of the most common, and most painful, themes that emerges after a traumatic birth: self-blame.If you've ever found yourself replaying your birth and thinking, "I should have spoken up," "I should have known something was wrong," or "My body failed my baby," this episode is for you. Kayleigh explores why these thoughts are such a common response to trauma, how our nervous systems use self-blame as a way to create a sense of safety and control, and why simply hearing "it's not your fault" often isn't enough to create lasting healing.Rather than trying to convince you to stop blaming yourself, this episode invites you to approach these thoughts with curiosity, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the neurobiology of trauma.In This Episode, We Discuss:

In this moving listener story, Carmen shares her complicated journey through pregnancy loss, recurrent miscarriage, TFMR (termination for medical reasons), traumatic births, emergency deliveries, and ultimately building the family she always dreamed of. As a mother of 12 babies, five Earthside and seven who are no longer physically here, Carmen offers a powerful perspective on grief, resilience, and what it means to continue mothering children who have died.Throughout this conversation, Carmen opens up about the realities of pregnancy after loss, the emotional toll of carrying grief through multiple pregnancies, and the complicated intersection of gratitude and trauma. Her story is one of profound love, heartbreaking decisions, and the ongoing process of learning how to carry both joy and sorrow at the same time.In This Episode, We Discuss:

Kayleigh sits down with her former therapist, Hilary Waller, to reflect on the years they spent working together after Kayleigh's amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), birth trauma, and the life-altering experiences that followed. Together, they explore the therapeutic relationship, what healing actually looks like over time, and how trauma recovery often evolves from surviving to grieving to fully living again.This conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at therapy from both the client and therapist perspective. Hilary shares insights into trauma recovery, attachment, grief, identity, and the ways healing can continue long after the most acute pain has passed. It's an honest, thoughtful discussion about what it means to rebuild a life after trauma, and how relationships can become a powerful part of that process.In This Episode, We Discuss:

From Filmmaker to Honest Mum: How Vicki Broadbent Built a Global Brand While Raising Three KidsWhat happens when an award-winning filmmaker becomes one of the world's first parenting bloggers?In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with Vicki Broadbent, creator of Honest Mum, author of The Working Mom (formerly Mumboss in the UK), television personality, and advocate for maternal rights.Vicki shares her journey from directing films and television to becoming one of the UK's original digital creators. Together, they discuss the realities of motherhood, imposter syndrome, birth trauma, work-life balance, content creation, and why women need to stop waiting for permission to pursue their dreams.Vicki also opens up about raising three children with a large age gap, recovering from a serious back injury, navigating confidence after motherhood, and writing her newest children's book, Greek Myths: Folktales and Legends.Whether you're a parent, entrepreneur, creator, or simply someone trying to juggle life's many roles, this conversation is packed with wisdom, honesty, and encouragement. In This Episode How motherhood changed Vicki's career trajectory  Why going from zero to one child was the hardest transition  Recovering from a severe back injury while parenting three children  The truth about imposter syndrome and confidence  Why Vicki dislikes the term "mompreneur"  Growing Honest Mum into a globally recognized brand  Building a career during the early days of blogging  The importance of therapy, healing, and self-care  Content creation tips directly from Meta's Creator Program  Social media growth strategies that actually work  Why consistency matters more than perfection  The inspiration behind Greek Myths: Folktales and Legends The myth of Persephone and why it resonates with mothers  Raising confident children while pursuing ambitious goals  Advice for moms who feel overwhelmed and behind Memorable Quotes"You do have to take risks and it's not going to work out all the time—and that's okay.""If you don't live your life, you can't really create.""The biggest jump in motherhood is going from zero to one child.""Creativity is a muscle that requires exercise."Connect with Vicki BroadbentHonest MumHonest MumInstagramInstagram @honestmumBook: Greek Myths, Folktales & LegendsGreek Myths, Folktales & LegendsConnect with The Running Wine MomWebsiteThe Running Wine MomInstagramInstagram @therunningwinemom_

In the fiftieth epoisode of The Motherwhelm, I am joined by Sharon, mum of two, to talk about the realities of motherhood, birth trauma, advocacy, identity, and finding your voice as a parent.Sharon shares two very different birth experiences: the first, a long and difficult hospital birth that left her physically and emotionally depleted; the second, a planned homebirth that unfolded beautifully before a serious postpartum haemorrhage led to emergency surgery and a challenging hospital admission. Together, we explore the complexities of navigating the maternity system, informed consent, medical authority, and what happens when parents feel unheard.We also talk about postpartum depression, raising children without nearby family support, building a village from scratch, ADHD and motherhood, balancing work and caregiving, and the ways motherhood has transformed Sharon's confidence, resilience, and sense of self.This is an honest conversation about the light and shade of parenting, the importance of community, and learning to trust yourself as a mother

In this replay episode, guest Dr. Annie Brook, shares her personal journey of healing from early trauma and how it eventually led her to a career in somatic psychology and therapy. She recounts a series of life-changing events, including a near-death experience, moving to Berkeley to study meditation and somatic practices, and her eventual deep dive into birth trauma research. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, professional experiences, and scientific insights, she highlights the profound impact of early trauma on the mind and body, the importance of healing from such experiences, and the tools and methodologies that can facilitate this healing process. The episode also touches on themes such as the body's emotional memory, the significance of early life experiences, and the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit in achieving holistic health.Product Discount Codes + LinksHoolest: Website (Discount Code: THEACCRESCENT10)Froya Hair Care: Website (Link gives 10% off)Herbal Face Food: Website (Discount Code: LAL30)Interview LinksBook: Magical ChildBook: Molecules of EmotionBook: Births Hidden LegacyGuest InfoDr. Annie Brook: WebsiteDr. Annie Brook: InstagramRelated EpisodesPodcast Ep. 193: Britt Piper - Body-First HealingPodcast Ep. 139: Dr. Galit Atlas - A Look At Dissociation, Repressed Memories and the Journey of Trauma HealingWork w/Leigh AnnLearn: What is EVOX Therapy?Book: Schedule a Session or FREE Discovery CallMembership: What is The Healing Alchemy MembershipConnect w/Me & Learn MoreWebsiteInstagramTiktokYoutube

Emmy's first birth experience ended in a way no one imagines: an "emergency" cesarean under general anesthesia. Her son was welcomed into life by strangers rather than into the loving arms of his mother and father, a source of pain that stayed with her for a long time. Determined to have a different experience with future pregnancies, Emmy began exploring her options and learning more about physiological birth. Her journey ultimately led her to have two subsequent home births: one attended by a midwife and another supported by her sister. Through these experiences, she discovered the healing power of informed decision-making, trusting her instincts, and creating the birth environment she desired. A pivotal part of Emmy's healing journey was finding Birth Story Medicine, a counseling process that helps mothers process their birth experiences. Find Emmy on Instagram @emmy_kissinger  If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Father's Day Sale: June 14-16 If your partner wants to be more than the guy holding your Stanley cup during contractions, Dad Daze is for him. This childbirth and postpartum course teaches dads exactly how to support, advocate, and show up with confidence from pregnancy through postpartum. Use code DAD50 to save $50 at thebirthlounge.com/daddaze June 14th-16th only. *psst* If you decide a lifetime membership is for you, we won't keep you from applying this discount code to get full access + our exclusive gift box. In this re-aired episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with perinatal therapist Ashley Mariani for a powerful conversation about birth trauma, obstetric violence, and the ways a difficult birth experience can ripple through your postpartum life long after you've left the hospital. Together, they unpack how birth trauma can impact trust, intimacy, communication, and emotional safety within a relationship. Ashley shares why so many partners leave a traumatic birth carrying their own unresolved stress response, how feelings of helplessness in the birth room can create resentment and disconnection, and why some couples find themselves struggling to reconnect after becoming parents. HeHe and Ashley also explore the mental load that often falls on mothers after birth, the common dynamic of feeling like you're parenting your partner, and why that can quickly erode desire and partnership. They discuss emotional attunement, advocacy during labor, and the important role partners play in helping prevent birth trauma before it happens. This conversation goes beyond the typical postpartum advice and dives into what it actually takes to rebuild trust, improve communication, and find your way back to each other after a challenging birth experience. If you've ever wondered whether your birth experience changed your relationship, your intimacy, or the way you show up as a couple, this episode will leave you feeling seen, validated, and equipped with practical tools for moving forward. 00:00 Birth Trauma Reality Check 01:22 Meet Ashley Mariani 07:40 Partners Preventing Trauma 09:40 Anecdotes vs Evidence 16:58 Pandemic Policies Fallout 21:19 When Intimacy Disappears 24:51 Dads Carry Trauma Too 30:18 Masculine Feminine Energy 33:03 Safety and Resentment Loop 34:39 Dad Daze Course Break 37:37 Patterns After Birth Trauma 38:32 Resentment Kills Desire 39:59 Man Child Dynamic 42:23 Initiation Into Manhood 53:48 Helicopter Parenting Fallout 57:09 Love Languages Learning Styles 58:47 Teach Needs By Style 01:04:07 Love Language Mismatch 01:07:02 Therapy Shared Accountability 01:09:44 Intimacy Resources Plug 01:11:16 Final Wrap And Outro Guest Bio: Ashley Mariani is a registered social worker specializing in perinatal mental health, couples therapy, sexual wellness, and birth trauma recovery. She is a passionate advocate against obstetric violence and helps individuals and couples navigate the emotional, relational, and physiological impacts of difficult birth experiences. Drawing from her background in sexuality, counseling, couples work, nervous system regulation, and holistic health, Ashley supports families in building resilience, healing trauma, and creating deeper connection in parenthood. She is also the mother of three free-spirited children, including twins. Connect with Ashley: https://mindonline.ca/ SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/ Connect with Ashley on IG: https://www.instagram.com/therogue.therapist/   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

In this episode, Dr. Tony Ebel breaks down the true root cause of auditory processing disorder — and it's not the ears, and it's not the brain. It's the brainstem. Dr. Tony explains why so many children go through hearing tests, speech therapy, and occupational therapy and still aren't making the progress they should, and what's actually missing from the equation. He walks parents through the neuroscience of how sound is processed, why birth trauma and toxic overload are key triggers, and how Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care removes the interference that's blocking their child's ability to process, communicate, and thrive. This episode is a must-listen for any parent whose child is dealing with auditory processing, speech delays, sensory challenges, or a combination of all three.-----Links & ResourcesFree article: Unraveling the Mystery of Auditory Processing Disorder: An Exhaustive Look-----Key Topics & Timestamps01:00 What Auditory Processing Disorder Actually Is — and Why It's Being Missed03:00 The Ice Cream Truck Moment: What APD Really Looks Like at Home06:00 The Traditional Testing Journey: Hearing Tests, Speech Therapy, and Why Progress Stalls09:00 The Brainstem Is the Middleman: Where the Real Problem Lives17:00 Sympathetic Dominance and Sensory Overload: Why the Brain Shuts Auditory Processing Out23:00 Birth Trauma and Toxic Overload: The Perfect Storm Behind APD26:00 What Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care Actually Does30:00 The Batting Order: How to Layer Your Child's Care Team for Real Results-- Follow us on Socials: Instagram: @pxdocsFacebook: Dr. Tony Ebel & The PX Docs NetworkYoutube: The PX DocsFor more information, visit PXDocs.com to read informative articles about the power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care.Find a PX Doc Office near me: PX DOCS DirectoryTo watch Dr. Tony's 30 min Perfect Storm Webinar: Click Here

In this powerful listener story, Kate returns to share her second birth experience after previously sharing her first story years ago. After surviving postpartum preeclampsia and medical trauma with her first child, Kate spent years healing through therapy, EMDR, community support, and advocacy work. When she became pregnant again, she hoped for a different experience, but life had other plans.At 24 weeks pregnant, Kate learned that her son had a rare congenital heart condition. What followed was months of uncertainty, specialist appointments, a surprise early delivery, NICU and cardiac ICU stays, and ultimately open-heart surgery when her son was just five weeks old. Through it all, Kate shares how community, mental health support, and unwavering advocacy helped her navigate some of the most difficult moments of her life.In This Episode, We Discuss:

This week, we are rereleasing a powerful episode with our guest Jess Myhre to talk about the choice (or sometimes not) to be one and done, particularly after birth trauma. Jess has been a pioneer in the discussion and support of families with only children, regardless of the reason. She fiercely advocates and validates for these families in her beautiful space @onlyyoucommunity. On this episode, Jess shares her story of birth trauma along with hope and encouragement for those who are one and done through choice, trauma, or for any reason at all. You can learn more about the Birth Trauma & Secondary Infertility Webinar here.Guest Bio: Hi I'm Jess! I am a preeclampsia survivor, mom of an only child, and advocate for parents of one, by choice or by circumstance. I am also the creator of Only You: A One and Done Podcast, a show for parents of only children.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.

If you're one of the many mothers who has experienced birth trauma, you've likely battled shame, anger, confusion, among other emotions. Today's guest discusses her story of birth trauma, including the effects of the experience and the gaps in care that contributed to the trauma. Her passion for advocacy is fired by the desire to prevent similar experiences from happening to others. Join us to learn more! As a writer, advocate, and mother dedicated to exploring the complexities of the human experience, Casey Keen focuses on themes of resilience, identity, and transformation. Whether through the lens of motherhood, mental health, or immersive storytelling, her writing spans both deeply personal narratives and richly imagined fiction. With a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's in forensic medicine, Casey brings a unique perspective to the intersection of mental health, trauma, and systemic reform. She founded an online postpartum support community and is building a platform that provides education, coaching, and advocacy to new mothers. Casey lives in Pennsylvania with her family as she continues to write, create, and advocate with stories that inspire and empower.  Show Highlights: Casey's story of birth trauma when her son was born 3 years ago The PP screening at six weeks didn't show any red flags–but something was wrong. Finding a perinatal therapist after six months and being diagnosed with PP anxiety and depression Casey's anger at what happened to her and how mothers are not being cared for properly Finding ways to help by “casting a wide net”- Casey chose to write a book. A closer look at Casey's postpartum preeclampsia experience (zero symptoms except for elevated blood pressure) Casey's overwhelming feelings of failure as a new mom The realization that things would have been very different had she been better prepared and educated about postpartum challenges. The impact of Casey's educational background (in psychology and forensic medicine) on her personal experience Gaps Casey is seeing in the way our healthcare system treats perinatal care, and the education (or lack of) that mothers are receiving The major problems with the timing of the “six-week checkup.” Casey's overriding goal in writing her book, The Alchemy of Motherhood Casey's experience with stigma, rage, and intrusive thoughts Casey's vision for a better future for struggling moms Resources: Connect with Casey Keen: Website, Instagram, and Casey's book,  The Alchemy of Motherhood Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov. Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773.  There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course.  Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!  If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Jinty and Lou sit down with Rosie Taylor, award-winning investigative journalist, broadcaster, media consultant, and host of the Mother Bodies podcast. Rosie has spent a decade reporting on women's health and family life for some of the UK's biggest publications. But what sets her apart is this: she hasn't just reported on the crisis in maternity care, she's lived it. Her own experience of birth trauma sent her on a mission to understand what is going wrong in our maternity system, and she has been reporting and campaigning on it ever since.In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, we explore: → How Rosie went from personal anger to understanding this as a systemic failure.→ Why postnatal care is described as the "Cinderella" of midwifery and why just £250 is allocated per woman postnatally vs £2,800 for antenatal care.→ The shocking dismissal of women in crisis including one who was told "stop making a fuss, everyone has babies" while suffering massive internal bleeding.→ The paradox of understaffed maternity wards and newly qualified midwives unable to find jobs.→ How racially minoritised women, disabled women, and those facing economic hardship are being failed most severely.→ Whether the 12 recommendations from the 2024 maternity inquiry are being acted upon and why nearly two thirds of maternal deaths happen postnatally.→ How patriarchal medical systems have systematically stripped power from midwives and mothers.→ What excellent maternity care actually looks like, and where we go from hereWe also chat about our week, including a new film that's just dropped and exactly how much alcohol is being drunk in parliament. Hear us rant! We end with something beautiful to carry you through the week.

This week on the Birth Trauma Mama Podcast listener series, Kayleigh is joined by Kayelynn to share her powerful story of preeclampsia, birth trauma, repeat C-sections, and the complicated journey of pregnancy after trauma. In honor of Preeclampsia Awareness Month, this episode highlights the reality of living through severe preeclampsia, navigating emergency medical decisions, and coping with the emotional aftermath that can linger long after birth.Kayelynn vulnerably shares her experiences across three pregnancies and births, from a traumatic induction and emergency C-section at 35 weeks to pursuing a VBAC after trauma to ultimately finding empowerment in choice, healing, and reclaiming trust in herself. This conversation is an honest reminder that healing is not always linear, and that “redemption” after birth trauma can look very different from what we imagine.✨ In this episode, we discuss:

Getting pregnant again after a C-section comes with unique physical, emotional, and hormonal considerations that many women are never told about. In this episode, we break down what to know about fertility after cesarean birth, scar tissue healing, adhesions, secondary infertility, VBAC considerations, pelvic floor recovery, and the emotional impact a C-section can leave on the body.We discuss how scar tissue and C-section healing may affect implantation, why some women experience difficulty conceiving after a cesarean, and the importance of supporting your core, pelvic floor, nervous system, and microbiome before trying for another baby. We also dive into placenta previa and accreta risks, uterine rupture statistics, spacing pregnancies after C-section, and how trauma can remain stored in the body long after birth.Whether you're preparing to conceive after a cesarean, considering a VBAC, healing from birth trauma, or simply wanting to better understand your body after a C-section, this episode offers both practical guidance and compassionate support.00:00 Trailer & Intro01:43 How C-Sections Can Affect Future Fertility03:52 Scar Tissue & Adhesions Explained05:25 Placenta Previa & Accreta Risks After Cesarean10:25 Antibiotics, Microbiome & Secondary Infertility11:41 Birth Trauma & Nervous System Healing15:25 Body Image, Desire & Emotional Recovery18:54 How Long Should You Wait Before Another Pregnancy?22:46 Pregnancy Spacing, Core Strength & Recovery24:29 Signs Your Scar May Need More Support26:15 Pelvic Floor Therapy & Core Healing29:19 Scar Massage, Gua Sha & Red Light Therapy32:18 Supplements & Nutrients for Scar Healing36:35 Preparing for a VBAC After C-Section38:38 Multiple C-Sections & Birth Decisions43:05 VBAC Statistics & Uterine Rupture Risks49:15 Why Birth Decisions Aren't One-Size-Fits-All50:25 Preconception Support After a C-Section51:30 Encouragement for Your Next Pregnancy JourneyResources From This Episode:Get $10 off Evvy Vaginal Test here!Bloom MethodThrive Physical Therapy (Dr. Lauren Mallari Snyder in San Diego)Restore PT - Sarah Grahm (local in Boise)Treasure Valley Pelvic Health Other Related Episodes:All About VBAC Part 1 EpisodeAll About VBAC Part 2 EpisodeVaginal Bugs and the Essential Role They Play Episode The Secret Fertility Factor No One Talks About EpisodeHome Birth Turned C-Section: Dr. Leah's Birth Story EpisodeDr Leah's Second Birth Story EpisodeDetoxing Before Pregnancy: What Actually Matters (And What Doesn't) EpisodeWhen Sex Hurts: The Root Cause No One Talks About EpisodePreconception: What It Is and Why It Matters EpisodeComing Off Birth Control: What Your Body Needs Before Pregnancy EpisodeBreastfeeding While Trying To Conceive EpisodeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | InstagramHealthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTokHealthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch StoreFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at EarthleyUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHERUse code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

This episode explores the profound identity shift that can happen after birth trauma, the grief of losing who you were before, the disorientation of feeling disconnected from yourself, and the complicated process of rebuilding after trauma. Kayleigh shares how trauma can reshape personality, relationships, interests, and even the way we experience parenthood itself.Through personal stories and reflections from the birth trauma community, this conversation offers validation, hope, and reassurance that healing does not mean becoming who you were before, it means learning to reconnect with yourself in a new way. If you've ever felt like birth trauma changed you forever, this episode reminds you that while trauma leaves its mark, healing can bring pieces of yourself back to life again.In this episode, we discuss:

In this powerful listener episode, Kayleigh is joined by identical twin sisters Alison and Holly, whose journeys through pregnancy, birth trauma, medical trauma, and survival became heartbreakingly intertwined. Both clinical psychologists, both high-achieving perfectionists, and both navigating pregnancy at the same time, neither could have imagined the life-altering experiences ahead of them.From severe pregnancy complications and traumatic medical experiences to a devastating accident involving Holly while pregnant with twins, this conversation explores the profound impact trauma can have not only on individuals but on families navigating it together.Through vulnerability, honesty, and immense strength, Alison and Holly share what it meant to survive the unimaginable while also supporting one another as sisters, twins, clinicians, and mothers.This episode is raw, validating, heartbreaking, and ultimately full of hope and resilience.

May is Maternal Health Awareness Month, and at The VBAC Link, we deeply believe that maternal health is so much more than physical well being. We recognize the complexity of every birth experience, and for those struggling, we send our love, solidarity, and support. In this HIGHLY anticipated episode, Lily and Paige sit down with birth trauma therapist Ashley Ward, LPCC about what trauma is, the many different ways it can present itself, and where to find healing. They talk about the culture of “ranking” birth stories and normalize the experience of feeling icky about a birth story, even if everything seemed perfect on paper. Ashley also shares her personal experiences with birth trauma in her most traumatic birth that appeared to be picture-perfect at a birth center. Her perspective gives both clinical insight and validation for experiences that are often minimized or misunderstood.Ashley believes that sharing birth stories matters, and they deserve a witness. In a world where shame can become the loudest voice in the room and birth conversations can split into divisive binaries, she aims to bring nuance, compassion, and dignity-informed care into the perinatal space. Birth does not happen in a vacuum, and Ashley beautifully reminds us that every birth is part of a larger story, one that existed before labor began and continues long after delivery.Topics include:What a panic attack can feel likeThe definition of traumaBirth trauma vs. medical traumaRanking birth stories as “better” or “worse”Feeling unsettled by your birth storyRadical acceptanceGrieving things you may never experienceBody acceptancePostpartum mental healthBirth story processingShame Finding joy Signs that you need professional helpKeywords: birth trauma, healing, postpartum, VBAC, CBAC, birth after cesarean, cesarean, C-section, mental health, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, panic attacks, radical acceptance, birth story processing, motherhood, trauma-informed care, postpartum therapist, birth center, induction, maternal mental health, perinatal therapyPostpartum Support International Provider DirectoryAshley Ward TherapyNeeded Website: Code VBAC for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, Dr. Tony Ebel discusses the important connection between the brain and gut, and how supporting this connection is key for children's health and wellbeing. He explains how the Vagus Nerve is the main pathway between the brain and gut, and a dysfunctional Vagus Nerve caused by a stressed nervous system can lead to many chronic health issues. Dr. Ebel emphasizes the need to focus on restoring nervous system function through a neurologically-focused chiropractor to truly help heal the gut and microbiome.Links & Resources:Episode 8: Why the Vagus Nerve is Key to Unlocking Your Child's Healing Potential[Apple/Spotify]Key Topics Covered:00:00 Why Gut Healing Often Stalls01:06 Understanding the Microbiome Made Simple06:45 The Missing Nervous System Connection09:43 How the Brain Controls Digestion12:53 Vagus Nerve & Gut Communication15:58 The Perfect Storm Behind Dysfunction19:43 Dysautonomia, Stress & Inflammation Explained26:13 Measuring Subluxation Through INSiGHT Scans28:34 Birth Trauma & Chronic Gut Issues30:34 Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Explained34:54 Practical Next Steps for Families-- Follow us on Socials: Instagram: @pxdocsFacebook: Dr. Tony Ebel & The PX Docs NetworkYoutube: The PX DocsFor more information, visit PXDocs.com to read informative articles about the power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care.Find a PX Doc Office near me: PX DOCS DirectoryTo watch Dr. Tony's 30 min Perfect Storm Webinar: Click Here

Most birth conversations stop in the delivery room. This one goes far beyond it.Eyla Cuenca has attended around 300 births over the past 15 years, training doulas and helping women process birth trauma that often stretches back generations. In this episode, Eyla shares what changed after she birthed her own daughter, the grief that surfaced during labor, and why she stepped away from the polarity between hospital birth and free birth.We also dive into postpartum phone addiction, Edward Tronick's still-face experiment, and Eyla's perspective on when the soul fully anchors into the body.From there, the conversation expands into reincarnation, soul fractals, the Akashic record, and a deeply personal story about how a mushroom ceremony reshaped my relationship to past abortions and circumcision.We close on the legal side of birth: birth certificates, hospital paperwork, and what really happens to the placenta once it's classified as “birth waste.”To enroll in the Sacred Postpartum Doula Training, visit lukestorey.com/doulatraining and use code LUKE10 for 10% off.For the Uncovering Birth Method Educator Training and Certification, visit uncoveringbirth.com/birth-educator-certificationFor the When Birth Heals the Mother Masterclass, visit uncoveringbirth.com/when-birth-heals-the-motherTo generate your free birth plan, visit uncoveringbirth.com/birth-plan-with-uncovering-birthYou'll learn:[00:00] Introduction[19:14] Why boredom might be the most underrated thing you can give a child[35:12] How far the natural birth movement has actually come[43:22] What it really takes to commit to a home birth[1:03:12] Did your soul choose this birth?[1:11:12] What I learned about time, past lives, and having nowhere to hide[1:37:05] The strange energy that surrounds the moment of birth and death[1:50:00] The ceremony that changed how I felt about becoming a father[1:59:05] What the hospital actually owns the moment your baby is born[2:20:03] What most doula training gets completely wrongResources Mentioned:Read: A Horse Named Lonesome: Tales and Teachings to Reclaim Connection, Transcend Separation, and Discover the Divine Within by Luke Storey | BookEdward Tronick | WikipediaFreedom | WebsiteQuanta Academy | WebsiteFamily Constellations | WikipediaBert Hellinger | WebsiteMorphogenetic Field | WikipediaYour Sovereign Baby | WebsiteViktor Frankl | WebsiteAndrew Kaufman | WebsiteFull shownotes at lukestorey.com/birthkeeper2Related The Life Stylist Episodes:Birth Keeper: A Doula's Guide to Natural Child Bearing w/ Eyla Cuenca (Men Are Welcome!) | PodcastCommon Law School: Escape the Free-Range Tax Slave Matrix Legally | PodcastThe Truth Shall Set You Free: Quitting the US Corporation & Breaking The Matrix | PodcastCommon Law School Part 2: Mastering Money & Dismantling Debt | PodcastAre Trusts the Key to Financial Freedom in the Matrix?: The Art of Living Privately | PodcastHow to Divorce Yourself from Government Jurisdiction and Create Your Own | PodcastBreaking Free: State National Status & Sovereignty Made Simple w/ Kenneth Plaster | PodcastGerms Don't Cause Disease: Unmasking Contagion & Virology Myths w/ Dr. Andrew Kaufman | PodcastAwakening Spiritual Law: A Bridge from Babylon to the New Earth w/ Michael Joseph & Phil Mederi | PodcastFind more from Eyla:Uncovering Birth | Website | Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeFind more from Luke:Luke Storey | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | LinkedInJUST...

In this episode of the Experience Miracles podcast, Dr. Tony Ebel tackles one of the most emotionally charged and scientifically complex questions parents ask: why do some kids go through the same birth interventions — C-sections, forceps, vacuum, induction — and come out healthy, while others spiral into chronic illness, neurodevelopmental challenges, and the perfect storm? Dr. Tony breaks it all down through the lens of nervous system resilience, the house and storm analogy, and the upstream factors that shape a child's ability to handle stress before they ever take their first breath. This is not a conversation about blame — it's a conversation about clarity, understanding, and how to move your family powerfully forward.-----Links & Resources:Register for the FREE & VIRTUAL Resilient Family Summit: thepxdocs.com/family-----Key Topics & Timestamps01:00 The Real Scope of Birth Interventions and the Perfect Storm 06:00 Birth Trauma Is Real: The Malpractice and Actuarial Science Case 14:00 Introducing the House and Storm Analogy 20:00 Survival vs. Thriving: The Gap Nobody Talks About 23:00 Oliver's Story and the Pre-Storm Work That Matters Most 27:00 How Maternal Stress and Prenatal Health Shape Baby's Nervous System 32:00 Why Two Kids With the Same C-Section Can Have Completely Different Outcomes36:00 Adaptability, Reserve Capacity, and Resilience: The Three Terms to Know 51:00 It's Not Your Fault: The Closing Message Every Parent Needs to Hear-- Follow us on Socials: Instagram: @pxdocsFacebook: Dr. Tony Ebel & The PX Docs NetworkYoutube: The PX DocsFor more information, visit PXDocs.com to read informative articles about the power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care.Find a PX Doc Office near me: PX DOCS DirectoryTo watch Dr. Tony's 30 min Perfect Storm Webinar: Click Here

In this mini episode, Kayleigh opens up about the often unexpected and deeply layered experience of Mother's Day after birth trauma. She offers validation, normalization, and gentle guidance for navigating a day that can feel both meaningful and incredibly heavy.

Dr. Tony Ebel tackles one of the most emotionally charged topics parents face — bedwetting and enuresis. He breaks down the complex neurophysiology behind bladder control, explains why conventional explanations like low antidiuretic hormone (ADH) are real but incomplete, and walks parents through the three outcomes he sees clinically when kids receive Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. Dr. Tony connects the dots between nervous system dysregulation, sympathetic dominance, disrupted circadian rhythms, and why so many kids struggle to stay dry at night — and more importantly, what parents can do about it at the root cause level.------Links & Resources: Register for the FREE & VIRTUAL Resilient Family Summit: thepxdocs.com/familyFree article: Understanding & Overcoming Nocturnal Enuresis-----Key Topics & Timestamps1:00 Why Bedwetting Is Both an Emotional and Neurological Milestone03:00 The Three Clinical Outcomes Dr. Tony Sees in Practice07:00 Subluxation, the Neurospinal System & the Brain-Bladder Pathway10:00 When Emotional Trauma Is the Root Cause13:00 Physical Stress, Birth Trauma & the Lumbosacral Region15:00 Chemical Stress, Neuroinflammation & the Gut Connection16:00 The Fuse Box Analogy Explained28:00 ADH, the Autonomic Nervous System & Why the Hormonal Explanation Is Incomplete31:00 The Neurophysiological Pendulum Effect & Deep Sleep Connection43:00 Finding Root Cause Care & Next Steps for Your Family-- Follow us on Socials: Instagram: @pxdocsFacebook: Dr. Tony Ebel & The PX Docs NetworkYoutube: The PX DocsFor more information, visit PXDocs.com to read informative articles about the power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care.Find a PX Doc Office near me: PX DOCS DirectoryTo watch Dr. Tony's 30 min Perfect Storm Webinar: Click Here

In this powerful Listener Series episode, Kayleigh sits down with Leah to share her story of giving birth during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating a traumatic delivery, and enduring years of unexplained postpartum pain before finally being diagnosed with severe endometriosis. Leah opens up about medical dismissal, complex trauma, subsequent pregnancies, and the ongoing journey of healing, both physically and emotionally. This episode is a raw and honest look at what happens when trauma isn't just one moment, but a series of experiences over time.In this episode, we talk about:

This week I sit down with Steph & Gian, winner of The Block season 9 to chat all things life after the block and their journey in becoming parents. We delve into The Block post show blues, losing our sense of purpose and identity, mental health issues when everything is seemingly ok on the outside. We discuss their journey to falling pregnant, endometriosis, genetic testing and a traumatic life threatening birth and so much more.A big thank you to our episode sponsors Lacevo and Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense. LacevoInstagram: @lacevoofficialWebsite: lacevo.com Baby Sensory and Toddler SenseInstagram: @babysensorytoddlersenseaunzWebsite: babysensory.com.au InstagramFollow Parenthood on Instagram @parenthoodpodFollow Steph on Instagram @stephjoottavioFollow Steph & Gian on Instagram @stephandgian ShareWe'd love it if you could share this episode with a friend! Parenthood Podcast acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Sophia sits down with Liz Eidelman, a birth doula and mom of two, who shares her powerful journey through two very different birth experiences. After a traumatic first birth and unexpected NICU stay, Liz entered her second pregnancy seeking a different experience — but still found herself navigating fear, medical pressure, and ultimately a cesarean birth.This conversation explores how birth trauma, conditioning, and fear influence decision-making, and how Liz transformed her experiences into a passion for supporting other women as a doula. They also discuss NICU experiences, feeding after birth trauma, and the importance of education and emotional preparation.Connect with Liz: ▸ IG @The.sage.sister OR @ LizEidelman▸ website Connect with Sophia: ▸ Website Our Favorite products to recommend: ▶︎Afterease Tincture by Wish Garden Herbs: ▶︎Sitz Bath Herbs by Motherlove Organics: ▶︎HIRO diapers: Chapters: 00:00 Intro01:30 Liz's first pregnancy + birth04:30 NICU + diagnosis (VACTERL / TEF)08:30 Postpartum + separation from baby11:00 Second pregnancy + fear14:30 Hiring a doula + switching care24:00 Induction pressure + decision making28:00 Cesarean experience30:30 Becoming a doula33:00 Feeding after trauma36:00 Fear + conditioning around birth38:00 Why education matters early43:00 Healing through birth work47:00 Where to find LizThis podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice.We are not providing medical or legal guidance, nor are we encouraging listeners to engage in any practice that may be unsafe or unlawful in their jurisdiction. Birth choices, medical care decisions, and midwifery practices are highly regulated and vary by state and country.Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified, licensed professionals and to research the laws applicable to their location before making any health or birth-related decisions.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own decisions and actions.The show notes may contain affiliate links. IF you click and purchase product or service I might be compensated. Thank you for your support. 

In today's episode, one of Trisha's clients, Holly, shares the story of two very different births and two equally different breastfeeding experiences, and what shifted between them.Her first labor began spontaneously but ended with a vacuum delivery, and the demoralizing message that her “pushes weren't productive.”  Breastfeeding was just as difficult, leading to a year of mostly exclusive pumping and undiagnosed postpartum anxiety. Four years later, she approached birth with real preparation, a clear plan, and a timely transfer of care to a midwife who immediately changed the tone of her birth experience.This episode examines how preparation, autonomy, and the right support can change not only the course of a labor, but the way a mother understands her own strength.**********Send us Fan Mail Needed

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.

Infantile spasms are one of the most frightening neurological emergencies a parent can face — and most families are told that 80 to 90% of children will go on to have lifelong developmental delays and continued seizure disorders. In this deep dive, Dr. Tony Ebel breaks down what infantile spasms actually are, what's driving them at the root level, and what the families who beat the odds are doing differently. He walks through the perfect storm of birth trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and subluxation that underlies nearly every case he has seen — and explains why the warning signs are almost always there long before the spasms begin. Drawing from his own son Oliver's story and the remarkable case of twins Jordan and Teo, Dr. Tony makes clear that emergency medical care is non-negotiable — and makes an equally strong case for why Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care needs to be part of the plan from day one to address the root cause and give every kiddo the best possible shot at a full, healthy, seizure-free life.-----Links & ResourcesUnderstanding Infantile Spasms: A Comprehensive Guide for ParentsPWC Intensive Program for Advanced Neurological Cases: https://premierwellnesschiro.com/the-perfect-storm/-----Key Topics & Timestamps4:00  Medical First: Why Emergency Care and an Epileptologist Are Non-Negotiable8:00 What Are Infantile Spasms? Signs, Symptoms, and Why They're Easy to Miss11:00 The Perfect Storm: Birth Trauma, Colic, and Early Warning Signs17:00 The Statistics Every Infantile Spasms Parent Needs to Know22:00 Flipping the Stats: Focusing on the 10–20% Who Thrive28:00 Threading the Needle: Respecting Medicine While Fighting for a Drug-Free Path36:00 The Nervous System Lens: Subluxation, Dysautonomia, and the Vagus Nerve38:00 Teo's Story: Twins, a Traumatic C-Section, and a Miracle Adjustment47:00 Action Steps and How to Find a Neurologically Focused PX Doctor-- Follow us on Socials: Instagram: @pxdocs Facebook: Dr. Tony Ebel & The PX Docs Network Youtube: The PX Docs For more information, visit PXDocs.com to read informative articles about the power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. Find a PX Doc Office near me: PX DOCS DirectoryTo watch Dr. Tony's 30 min Perfect Storm Webinar: Click Here

On today's episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh welcomes Anya to share the story of her first birth — a pregnancy that was completely uncomplicated until a cascade of unexpected events in labor led to a traumatic emergency C-section experience.Anya opens up about feeling pressured into surgery, a frightening complication with anesthesia in the operating room, and the terror of feeling unable to breathe while fully conscious. Her story highlights how quickly birth can shift and how important communication, consent, and emotional support are during labor and delivery. In this episode, we discuss:✨ An uncomplicated pregnancy that suddenly shifted during labor