The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast

In this Mini Series episode, I dive into a nuanced conversation around gratitude practices for perinatal trauma survivors. While gratitude can be a powerful tool for healing, it often becomes complicated when paired with the experiences of trauma, grief, and loss. Whether you’ve felt pressure to “just be grateful” or are searching for ways to reconnect with yourself and your story, this episode of...

In this week’s Listener Series episode, I sit down with Megan to explore the layered and emotional journey of holding both immense gratitude and deep grief. After years of infertility, a traumatic ectopic pregnancy, and two rounds of IVF, Megan finally became pregnant with her miracle baby, but her story didn’t end there. What followed was a high-risk pregnancy marked by preeclampsia, a NICU stay,...

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast , I’m joined by Dr. Colleen Reichmann, clinical psychologist, eating disorder specialist, and founder of Wildflower Therapy. Together, we dive deep into the complex intersections of body image, eating concerns, infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and birth trauma. Dr. Reichmann shares her professional expertise and personal journey navigating anorex...

In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this week’s Listener Series episode features a deeply moving and courageous conversation with Jocelyn. She shares her story of how a sexual assault in college—though years in the past—powerfully influenced her second birth experience, which unfolded into a traumatic emergency C-section under general anesthesia. Jocelyn Rodal's experience highlights...

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

In this powerful and nuanced episode, I’m joined once again by Morgan Bradwell, LCSW, PMH-C, to explore the intersection between sexual trauma and perinatal trauma. We discuss how past sexual trauma can shape the perinatal experience, increase the risk of birth trauma, and impact postpartum mental health, including rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Morgan draws from her clinical experience s...

In this Listener Episode, I sit down with Priya as she shares her deeply personal and emotional journey through birth trauma, emergency medical interventions, and the unimaginable grief of losing her baby in the NICU. Priya opens up about experiencing a traumatic birth, the unexpected complications that followed, and the physical and emotional toll it took on her postpartum experience. What You’ll...

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...

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast , I sit down with a Victoria, a midwife to explore the complexities of birth trauma from a provider’s perspective. Together, we discuss the emotional and physical impact of traumatic births, how midwives support birthing people through these experiences, and the importance of trauma-informed care in maternity settings. What You’ll Learn in This Epis...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast , I sit down with Jenna , an ICU nurse and fellow Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) survivor . Jenna shares her harrowing birth experience, the life-saving interventions she received, and the long road to recovery. We discuss: 💔 The shocking moment Jenna realized something was very wrong after birth 🚨 Her rapid decline   &...

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

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

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

A special and highly requested rerelease -  Dr. Vibha Mahendra, a board-certified Obstetric Anesthesiologist, joins me on this episode to discuss anesthesia options during labor and delivery and why they are sometimes ineffective, potentially leading to trauma for the patient. Dr. M also provides insight into how providers can problem-solve these pain relief issues and communicate with patients in...

In this deeply moving episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast , Joni shares her raw and powerful birth story—one filled with unexpected turns, systemic failures, and unimaginable strength. From an intense labor experience to a traumatic C-section where she felt the surgery, Joni walks us through the emotional and physical aftermath of her birth and the complex journey of processing trauma while e...

On this week's episode, we welcome Marlie Willer, an experienced trial lawyer whose practice focuses on civil litigation with an emphasis on obstetrical negligence and maternal health rights. She recognizes the gaps between the injuries suffered by mother and babies and the limited legal options available to them. Marlie discusses with us in detail what it means to decide to pursue litigation...

On this week's episode, we welcome Kris to share her story. Kris offers us a unique perspective of experiencing generational birth trauma. Kris' mother passed away at 3 days old, and she shares with us her own birth trauma with her second pregnancy with her son Logan - who is now 23. After years of healing and putting in the work for it, Kris shares about what it is like to be 20+ years...

This week, we are releasing a new mini series episode. We are breaking down a little how-to for preparing for medical appointments after birth trauma. There is a possibility of so much activation, fear, and anxiety in medical appointments after you have experienced birth trauma, so I am going to talk you through it and break down a long-term prep for a medical appointment, what that can look like...

On this week's listener story, we are doing a special rerelease with Hannah's story. Hannah and her wife had a fairly healthy pregnancy but she experienced what she refers to as serial complications during and after the birth of their daughter. Things you will hear on this episode: - Induction and long labor - 3B tear due to a laceration - Struggling to bond - Breastfeeding challenges -...

On today's episode, we are talking about provider trauma. This is a topic that we are incredibly passionate about and I think this plays an intricate role in birth and perinatal trauma and our ability to prevent it. We are specifically talking about any health care worker in the labor and delivery, obstetric and NICU/ICU space - essentially anyone involved in one's care during pregnancy,...

On this week’s episode, we welcome Nandi as she bravely shares her story of love, loss, and healing. Nandi opens up about her first pregnancy with her son, Kiran Jude, whose life was tragically cut short by a brain bleed just three days after birth in the NICU. She also reflects on the birth of her daughter, a journey that resulted in an emergency C-section and a hysterectomy due to her blood diso...

A special rerelease - Rachel Wright, LMFT, shares about the impact of birth and birth trauma on sex and intimacy. She answers all of your questions related to navigating intimacy and sex with a partner and yourself after birth trauma. This is a must-listen-to episode full of wonderful nuggets and concrete suggestions for approaching intimacy after birth trauma. In this episode you will hear: - Com...

On this week's Listener Series, we welcome Staci. She shares with us about her pregnancy with her daughter that turned into a marathon of bedrest. Early in her pregnancy, Staci went to a prenatal appointment and had to be rushed to the hospital for an emergency cerclage placement. She was placed on bedrest to keep the pregnancy going as long as possible. Due to being on the Cherokee Nation in...

On this week's episode, we are talking about the intersection of adoption and birth and perinatal trauma. We are joined by Gabbie Ryan, who has personal and professional experience in this. Gabbie was adopted from China at 18 months old to a white family in Minnesota. She is now a diversity equity and justice leader in the Twin Cities and specializes in adoptee self-discovery. Gabbie and I re...

On this week's listener episode, we welcome Sarah. Sarah shares her two birth experiences with us. Her first pregnancy resulted in an undetected infection and meconium aspiration, which led to her daughter's hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) diagnosis.  Sarah also shares about her subsequent pregnancy and birth which she describes as part of her healing. On this episode, you will hea...