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. 176: Cholestasis, SVT, & a Healing Subsequent Birth feat. Sabryna
In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, I’m joined by Sabryna for a powerful and emotional account of her first birth. Her story began with an itch in her third trimester and escalated into a life-threatening emergency for both her and her daughter. What unfolded was a series of missed diagnoses, medical dismissal, and a traumatic delivery that included an emergency C-section, undiagnosed preeclampsia, a NICU stay due to a rare heart condition.
With vulnerability and insight, Sabryna walks us through the heartbreak of being ignored by her care team, the fear of not knowing if her baby would survive, and the heavy mental toll that followed. She also shares the healing journey that came later, including a redemptive second birth experience and the importance of finding a provider who truly listens.
This conversation is a testament to the strength of self-advocacy and the power of feeling seen, heard, and safe in your care.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
⚠️ The early warning signs of cholestasis and why no one acted
📉 Being told to rush to the hospital and then sent home hours later
📵 Days of silence from her care team while her symptoms worsened
💔 A non-variable heart rate and an emergency C-section she never saw coming
🫀 Her daughter’s diagnosis: supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW)
🚑 A magnesium drip, sky-high blood pressure, and a post-op ambulance ride with no pain meds
🧠 The emotional aftermath: trauma, guilt, depression, and being told to “just be grateful”
💬 The healing power of trauma-informed therapy and a validating OB
🌈 A second birth that brought the closure she never thought she’d find
🗣️ Why we must keep talking about traumatic births, because they leave lasting marks
Resources & Mentions:
🌐 Learn more about WPW and SVT in newborns: childrenshospital.org
📚 Birth Trauma Support: birthtraumamama.com/resources
📱 Follow along for more stories and support: @birthtraumamama
🎧 Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts. If this episode resonated with you, made you feel seen, or helped you name your own story, please share, rate, and review. Your voice matters.
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.