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. 166: 4th Degree Tear, Rectovaginal Fistula, & Ongoing Recovery feat. Scarlett
In this week’s Listener Series episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Scarlett bravely shares her story a layered, and still-unfolding journey through birth trauma, postpartum hemorrhage, and complex pelvic floor injuries that continue to impact her life more than five years later.
She speaks candidly about the realities of:
🩸 Surviving a traumatic birth and emergency postpartum care
⚕️ Navigating misdiagnoses and medical dismissiveness
🏥 Undergoing reconstructive surgery, just days before COVID shut down elective procedures
💔 Living with an unresolved injury, even years later
💬 Parenting solo while healing, with her husband deployed and her newborn in tow
💡 Finding resilience, humor, and hope, even when she’s still “not fixed”
Scarlett’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is rarely linear and that you don’t have to wait until things are “resolved” to find strength, community, and joy again. Her voice offers profound validation for those still in the thick of it, especially those living with ongoing pelvic floor injuries, postpartum complications, or unrecognized trauma.
Resources & Support:
- Solace for Mothers (formerly OSI) — support for survivors of obstetric injuries
- The Birth Trauma Mama – therapy, resources, and community
- Follow Kayleigh on Instagram: @birthtraumamama
💜 Trigger Warning: This episode includes graphic details of birth trauma, hemorrhage, pelvic injury, and surgical complications. Please listen with care.
🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts.
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.