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. 172: A Partner's Perspective: AFE & an ICU Stay feat. Francine & Matt
In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, I’m joined by Francine and Matt for an emotional retelling of their son’s birth, a story that began with a calm, well-planned birth center experience and ended in a series of life-threatening emergencies, including a transfer to the hospital, an emergency C-section, a postpartum hemorrhage, and an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE).
With honesty, heartbreak, and even humor, Francine and Matt walk us through their experience of navigating a medical system that left them unsupported, uninformed, and at times, in the dark. Francine shares what it was like to lose nine days of memory after nearly dying in the ICU, and Matt shares what it felt like to be the sole caregiver to their newborn while fearing he might lose his wife.
This conversation is an important reminder of how critical communication and advocacy are and how families carry these experiences long after leaving the hospital.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
🚼 Why Francine and Matt chose a birth center
⚠️ The early red flags that were brushed off
🏥 The abrupt transfer to the hospital after 24 hours of stalled labor
💔 An emergency C-section and a hemorrhage that nearly cost Francine her life
🧠 Matt’s experience witnessing it all and being asked for consent during crisis
🫁 Francine’s terrifying memories of being intubated without proper sedation
🦴 The rare, painful aftermath: osteonecrosis from a tibial IO line
🗣️ How it felt to finally meet her baby, days after giving birth
📉 What happens when partners aren’t communicated with in crisis
💬 Why storytelling is such a crucial part of healing birth trauma
Resources & Mentions:
🌐 Learn more about Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE): www.afesupport.org
📚 Looking for support? The Birth Trauma Mama Resources Page: birthtraumamama.com/resources
📱 Follow along for updates and part two of Francine and Matt’s story
🎧 Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts. If this episode moved you, helped you feel less alone, or gave you language for your own experience—please share, rate, and review. It makes a difference.
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.