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. 170: Preeclampsia, Hemorrhage, & a NICU Stay as Queer Parents feat. Alejandra
In honor of Pride Month, this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast features a powerful and deeply personal conversation with Alejandra- a queer parent, birth trauma survivor, and passionate advocate for inclusive, affirming perinatal care. Alejandra shares about her family, their journey through infertility and IVF, and a traumatic birth experience involving preeclampsia, an emergency cesarean, a NICU stay, and a near-fatal postpartum hemorrhage.
Together, Kayleigh and Alejandra explore the intersections of identity, trauma, and healing. They shed light on the systemic challenges queer families often face in reproductive healthcare and the strength and resilience it takes to survive and thrive in the aftermath.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
🌈 Navigating infertility and IVF as a queer couple during a biased medical process
🏥 Being misgendered and dismissed in hospital systems not built for queer families
🧠 The trauma of being awake during a life-threatening hemorrhage
🚨 Emergency cesarean, NICU separation, and the grief of missing early moments
💊 PTSD, postpartum depression, and the decision to pursue therapy, EMDR, and medication
💞 The power of chosen family, supportive partners, and affirming providers
📣 Why representation in birth trauma spaces matters
About Our Guest:
Alejandra is a queer parent raising their child with a trans partner and a chosen co-parent. She shares her story to expand representation, challenge systemic inequities, and foster more inclusive, compassionate spaces for trauma survivors.
Resources & Links:
🌐 Learn more and get support: thebirthtraumamama.com
📱 Follow Kayleigh on Instagram: @birthtraumamama
👥 Join the Facebook community: Birth Trauma Support & Education
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.