The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast

Ep. 161: Pregnancy, Trauma, & The Body You're Left With

Season 3 Episode 48

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 anorexia, infertility, and postpartum body changes, offering validation, compassion, and essential insights for anyone who has felt disconnected, angry, or let down by their body.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
🌸 How control, body image, and trauma collide during pregnancy and postpartum
🌸 The emotional impact of infertility, loss, and complicated pregnancies on body trust
🌸 Normalizing feelings of anger, disappointment, and grief toward your body after trauma
🌸 The myth that “healing” means feeling 100% positive about your body
🌸 Why it’s okay to hold space for complicated emotions and imperfect relationships with our bodies
🌸 The importance of individualized, compassionate support (not one-size-fits-all solutions)
🌸 Strategies for navigating body image struggles during TTC, pregnancy, and postpartum
🌸 How trauma-informed care can change the postpartum experience

Resources Mentioned:

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

Guest Bio:

Dr. Colleen Reichmann is a licensed clinical psychologist, practicing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She works in her private practice, Therapy for Eating Disorders and Body Image. She is recovered from an eating disorder, and this experience sparked her passion for spreading knowledge and awareness that recovery is possible. She is now an eating disorders specialist, and has worked at various treatment facilities including University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro Center for Eating Disorder Care, and The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt. She is an advocate for intersectional feminism, body liberation, fat positivity, and Health At Every Size.

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.