The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast
Birth trauma is the dark and sometimes scary side of pregnancy & postpartum that no one wants to talk about. But, we're here to change that! I'm Kayleigh, a licensed therapist and birth trauma survivor, determined to bring birth trauma out of the shadows and into the light. When we talk about birth trauma, we take away its power and leave space for healing. Your birth trauma does not need to “happen for a reason." Birth trauma sucks and it’s okay to admit that. Join us as we navigate what it means to heal from birth trauma. You’ll hear from experts in the field as well as others who have experienced birth trauma. Storytelling and education are keys to raising awareness and better understanding how we heal trauma. We don’t do toxic positivity in this space, but you’ll definitely hear some dark humor. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry, but, most importantly, you’ll learn that you’re not alone and that healing is possible. Birth trauma is bullish*it, but your healing is not.
The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast
Ep. 159: Pregnancy After Sexual Assault & Navigating The Medical System feat. Mandy
In this deeply emotional and courageous Listener Series episode , Mandy shares her story- a story of medical trauma, sexual assault, domestic violence, birth trauma, and survival.
From a devastating hospitalization at the start of the pandemic to becoming pregnant through rape and surviving an abusive relationship during pregnancy, Mandy brings raw honesty and incredible insight into how trauma, resilience, and advocacy can co-exist.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
🔹 Mandy’s life-threatening medical complications leading up to pregnancy
🔹 Discovering she was pregnant by rape while in an abusive relationship
🔹 Living through hyperemesis, preeclampsia, and a collapsing spine
🔹 How trauma-informed nurses helped her survive and find hope
🔹 Her C-section birth experience and postpartum challenges
🔹 Battling postpartum psychosis and fighting for her safety
🔹 Why her story is a call for compassionate, trauma-informed care in every step of the maternal health journey
Mandy’s voice is one of strength, vulnerability, and advocacy. She reminds us that two things can be true, we can live through immense trauma and still love our children, that no one story represents every path, and that everyone deserves the right to choose what’s best for their body, their baby, and their healing.
Resources & Support:
- Domestic violence & sexual assault support: RAINN, The Hotline
- Birth trauma resources: thebirthtraumamama.com
Content Warning: This episode contains detailed discussions of sexual assault, domestic violence, substance use, and medical trauma. Please take care while listening. 💜
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.
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.