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. 180: Sepsis, & an ICU/NICU Stay feat. Alyssa
In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, I’m joined by Alyssa, who shares her story of surviving a catastrophic postpartum complication. What began as a smooth pregnancy and an unplanned C-section turned into undiagnosed sepsis, a perforated bowel, emergency surgery, and over four weeks in the hospital, two of them spent in the ICU, separated from her newborn daughter.
Alyssa walks us through the red flags that were dismissed, the overwhelming pain and isolation she endured, and the moment when her C-section scar began leaking fluid, leading to the discovery of a life-threatening complication. Now, seven years later, she reflects on her long road to healing, both physically and emotionally, and the decision to stop growing her family due to trauma, grief, and self-preservation.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
💥 A smooth pregnancy that gave no warning of what was to come
🏥 A C-section that left Alyssa in extreme pain, and dismissed by her care team
🚨 A week postpartum: leaking from her incision, sepsis, and a perforated bowel
💤 Waking up in the ICU, separated from her baby, with no memory of the emergency
🧠 The trauma of missing out on those early bonding moments, and doubting herself as a new mom
💔 Navigating deep grief around her family-building dreams after trauma
👶 Parenting an only child and finding peace in that decision
🗣️ Why sharing her story and advocating for herself now is part of her healing
💬 The message Alyssa wants every birthing person to hear: If something feels wrong, speak up. Keep speaking up.
Resources & Mentions:
📚 Find trauma & postpartum support: birthtraumamama.com/resources
📱 Follow along on Instagram: @birthtraumamama
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Alyssa’s story is a critical reminder of how important it is to trust your instincts, and how life-saving advocacy can be.
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.