Mamahood After Trauma | Healing Childhood Trauma, Parenting Triggers & Emotional Regulation for Moms

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn shines a light on the hidden grief of motherhood — the quiet, unexpected emotional waves that leave mothers questioning their feelings. Emily explores how motherhood brings not only love but also profound loss: of freedom, of the childhood you deserved, and of the support you needed. She reminds mothers that when children unknowingly trigger old wounds...

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes clinical psychologist Dr. Angele Close to explore the transformative concept of matrescence — the profound physical, emotional, and psychological journey of becoming a mother. Drawing from her own experience parenting a neurodiverse child, Angele reveals how unresolved trauma resurfaces during motherhood, not as failure, but as an invitation t...

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn tackles one of motherhood's most misunderstood emotions — anger. Emily compassionately explains how trauma-surviving mothers often suppress rage due to deeply ingrained beliefs that anger is shameful or dangerous. Rather than viewing rage as a flaw, Emily reframes it as vital information from your nervous system, signaling that something needs attentio...

In this inspiring episode of "Mamahood After Trauma," host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Katrin, a mother of four and advanced EFT tapping practitioner. Katrin shares her journey from exhaustion and overwhelm in motherhood to healing through community, self-acceptance, and advanced EFT therapy. Together, they discuss breaking shame, reconnecting with joy, and the importance of supportive spaces for trau...

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn addresses the emotional aftermath mothers face after losing their temper with their children. She normalizes these moments, emphasizing that they do not define motherhood, and highlights the importance of self-regulation, honest repair, and curiosity about personal triggers. Emily introduces the Monthly Piece Pack, a trauma-informed res...

In this inspiring episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Dr. Dan Sneider, a licensed clinical social worker, to discuss the complexities of parenting after trauma. Together, they explore the pressures parents face, the importance of self-care, and the power of intentional communication in relationships. Dr. Sneider offers practical tips—like scheduling dedicated check-ins a...

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn challenges the belief that mothers must be fully healed before becoming the parents they aspire to be. Sharing personal stories of imperfection and repair, Emily emphasizes that healing is a continuous journey that happens alongside motherhood. She highlights the importance of modeling accountability and restoring safety after difficult...

In this inspiring episode of "Mamahood After Trauma," host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Callie & Kelly, co-founders of Slumberkins, to discuss trauma-informed parenting and healing. Drawing from their backgrounds in education and therapy, Callie & Kelly share how Slumberkins’ tangible tools help families foster emotional regulation and repair. The conversation highlights the challenges of paren...

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn shares her honest journey from ineffective coping strategies—like suppressing emotions and striving for perfection—to embracing self-awareness and gradual change. She discusses how recognizing triggers early, reducing overwhelm, and allowing space for self-compassion transformed her approach to motherhood. Emily emphasizes that true hea...

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes trauma recovery coach Ali Ryan for an honest, uplifting conversation about healing as a parent. Ali shares her personal journey, the challenges of being triggered, and the emotional ups and downs of recovery. Together, they discuss practical strategies for managing triggers, the importance of self-compassion, and building suppo...

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn challenges the oversimplified advice often given to mothers about emotional regulation. Drawing from her own experience as a trauma survivor and cycle breaker, Emily explains why “just regulate” is unhelpful, emphasizing that true regulation is a gradual process rooted in self-awareness and understanding of personal triggers. She encour...

In this inspiring episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Leah Johnson, who shares her powerful journey from political success and hidden struggles with trauma, addiction, and mental health, to healing through spirituality and creativity. Leah discusses the importance of self-care, breaking generational cycles, and using motherhood as motivation for transformation. She offer...

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn explores the hidden shame mothers—especially trauma survivors—feel when they become dysregulated. Sharing her own story, Emily reassures listeners that intense reactions are human responses shaped by past trauma, not signs of failure. She encourages self-compassion, understanding personal triggers, and learning emotional regulation, rat...

In this inspiring episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn interviews parenting coach Melissa Schultz, who specializes in supporting parents of strong-willed, highly sensitive, or neurodiverse children. Melissa shares her journey, practical strategies for managing challenging behaviors, and emphasizes the importance of self-care for mothers healing from trauma. The conversation offers...

In this inspiring episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn shares practical steps for reclaiming and healing the body after trauma. Emphasizing presence over perfection, Emily encourages mothers to reconnect with their bodies through small, compassionate acts, such as mindful breathing and gentle touch. Drawing from her own journey, she highlights how self-awareness and kindness can t...

In this inspiring episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes health coach and naturopath Chelsea McLeod to share her journey from corporate burnout and hormonal imbalance to vibrant health. Chelsea discusses how she overcame type 2 diabetes, fatigue, and emotional struggles through holistic healing and lifestyle changes. She offers practical tips for busy moms to restore energy...

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn guides listeners through understanding how trauma can affect the body’s subtle signals—such as menstrual cycles, sleep, appetite, and mood. Emily shares her personal journey of learning to observe and track these patterns as acts of self-compassion and agency. She introduces the Monthly Peace Pack, a trauma-informed resource and communi...

In this inspiring episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes author and trauma recovery advocate Cindy Woulfe. Cindy shares her journey from feeling lost and isolated as a new mother to embracing healing through self-care, grace, and reflection. Together, they discuss the unique challenges trauma brings to motherhood, the importance of self-forgiveness, and the transformative p...

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn shares her personal journey of reclaiming her body after trauma. She explores how trauma manifests as physical symptoms—like fatigue, pain, and hormonal imbalances—and explains these are messages from the body, not signs of weakness. Emily encourages mothers to break the silence, listen to their bodies with compassion, and embrace gentl...

In this inspiring episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Naomi Morad, a trauma survivor and seasoned psychosomatic practitioner. Naomi shares her powerful journey from enduring severe childhood abuse and depression to healing and helping others. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, seeking support, and understanding that healing is possible for every survivor. Th...

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn shares her personal journey of understanding the physical impacts of trauma on the body. She discusses how childhood trauma manifested as physical symptoms and led to disconnection from her body. Emily reframes the body as a protector and messenger, encouraging listeners to observe their bodies with curiosity and without judgment. She i...

In this inspiring episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Malisa Hepner, who courageously shares her journey of healing from childhood trauma and its profound impact on motherhood. Malisa discusses overcoming shame, depression, and generational wounds, emphasizing the importance of self-love and trauma-informed resources. Together, they highlight the challenges mothers face...

In this episode of "Mamahood After Trauma," host Emily Cleghorn discusses the emotional challenges that arise when healing from trauma, reassuring listeners that increased discomfort is a normal part of growth and nervous system recalibration. She introduces the monthly Peace Pack—a trauma-informed tool and supportive community for mothers—and encourages reframing difficult moments as signs of pro...

In this inspiring episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Julie Barth, a mother of six, author, and founder of the Colin James Barth Outreach. Julie courageously shares her journey through her daughter’s rare diagnosis, the loss of her husband to cancer, and surviving a decade-long abusive relationship. She discusses transforming her pain into purpose by supporting women at...

In this episode of "Mamahood After Trauma," host Emily Cleghorn introduces the "Monthly Peace Pack," a trauma-informed tool and community for mothers seeking calm amid chaos. Emily explores what peace truly looks like in the early stages of healing, emphasizing that it’s about small, imperfect moments and micro shifts in awareness—not perfection. She encourages listeners to embrace manageable chan...