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. 162: IVF, Preeclampsia & a Failed Spinal Block with a NICU Stay feat. Megan
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, and a traumatic C-section that left Megan under general anesthesia, missing the birth of her son. In this powerful conversation, Megan shares the duality of her experience, the joy of finally becoming a parent, and the trauma of how it unfolded.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
🩺 Megan’s IVF and infertility journey
💔 The trauma of a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy
⚠️ Developing preeclampsia and being hospitalized at 34 weeks
🩻 An emergency C-section under general anesthesia after failed spinal and ketamine
👶 Meeting her baby in the NICU for the first time from a hospital bed
🧠 Processing PTSD, flashbacks, and ongoing triggers
💬 The importance of therapy, storytelling, and self-compassion in healing
🌈 What it’s like to consider future pregnancy after trauma
Resources Mentioned:
- Postpartum Support International
- The Birth Trauma Mama Support Resources
- Talk therapy, PTSD support, and NICU family support services
🎧 Tune in now wherever you listen to podcasts, and please subscribe, rate, and share this episode to help more families feel seen, supported, and not alone. 💜
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.