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
Sexual Trauma, Dehumanization, & PTSD Recovery feat. Jocelyn
In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this week’s Listener Series episode features a deeply moving and courageous conversation with Jocelyn. She shares her story of how a sexual assault in college, powerfully influenced her second birth experience, which unfolded into a traumatic emergency C-section under general anesthesia.
Jocelyn Rodal's experience highlights the devastating impact of being unheard, unprepared, and uninformed in moments of extreme vulnerability, and how a history of sexual trauma can resurface in the birthing room in ways that even well-meaning providers may not realize.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
🔹 Jocelyn’s background and how her past sexual assault shaped her birth choices
🔹 A positive and healing first birth experience, and how it differed drastically from the second
🔹 A cascade of medical decisions and lack of communication that led to trauma
🔹 Being restrained and ignored
🔹 The emotional and physical aftermath of being dehumanized in the OR
🔹 How language like "allow” can strip away patient autonomy and retraumatize survivors
🔹 The long road of PTSD recovery and the role of therapy, debriefing, and validation in healing
This episode is a powerful reminder that birth is not just medical, it is deeply emotional and personal. Jocelyn’s story urges providers to communicate clearly, seek informed consent, and practice trauma-informed care, especially for survivors of sexual trauma.
Resources Mentioned:
Content Heads up: This episode includes graphic descriptions of sexual trauma, medical restraint, and non-consensual procedures. Please take care while listening.
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review to support this essential conversation. 💜
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.