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. 168: Postpartum Preeclampsia & A NICU Stay Miles Apart feat. Arianne
In this week's Listener Series episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Arianne courageously shares her story of navigating a traumatic birth, a devastating postpartum complication, and the aftermath of nearly losing her life.
After an otherwise healthy pregnancy, Arianne went into labor at 34 weeks following a sudden and severe bleeding episode. What unfolded was a cascade of medical emergencies, including an emergency C-section, high blood pressure that was dangerously overlooked, and a second hospitalization for postpartum preeclampsia, all while parenting a NICU baby and moving into a new home.
As a Black woman, Arianne’s experience is a powerful and heartbreaking illustration of how maternal health disparities and gaps in care persist, and how community, vigilance, and one life-saving nurse's comment changed the trajectory of her story.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
🩸 Arianne’s emergency birth experience at 34 weeks in an unfamiliar hospital
🏥 Navigating the chaos of a traumatic C-section without her own doctor
📉 The missed warning signs of severe postpartum preeclampsia
💡 The nurse who saved her life with a single follow-up suggestion
🚗 Juggling NICU visits, moving houses, and recovering from surgery
🧠 Grieving her near-death experience and processing trauma in real-time
💜 The strength it takes to survive and still be “in the thick of it”
Arianne’s story is a deeply moving reminder that healing doesn’t require closure, it requires truth, support, and the courage to speak up even when you’re still finding your way.
Resources & Support:
- Learn more about postpartum preeclampsia: preeclampsia.org
- Explore trauma-informed resources at: thebirthtraumamama.com
- Follow Kayleigh on Instagram: @birthtraumamama
🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts and please share this episode with someone who needs to hear: You are not alone.
#BirthTrauma #PostpartumPreeclampsia #MaternalHealthDisparities #BlackMaternalHealth #NICUMom #YouAreNotAlone #TraumaInformedCare #TheBirthTraumaMama
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.