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. 185: A Nurse's Perspective feat. Katelynn
In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Katelynn, a labor and delivery nurse who was at the bedside during a devastating traumatic birth, Julia’s story (Episode 137).
Together, they revisit that day, but this time through the eyes of the provider. Katelynn opens up about the chaos of rushing Julia to the OR, the horror of watching her patient code, and the emotional toll that followed. What unfolds is a powerful conversation about the very real trauma healthcare workers face when catastrophic events occur in labor and delivery.
Katelynn shares:
- 🚨 What it was like to witness and respond to Julia’s near-death experience in the OR
- 💔 The isolation, nightmares, and PTSD symptoms she carried afterward
- 🧠 How therapy (including EMDR) helped her process the trauma and find healing
- 🫂 Why closure, like reconnecting with Julia, was such an important part of recovery
- 👩⚕️ A reminder to fellow healthcare workers: it’s okay to not be okay, and you deserve support
This episode highlights the shared trauma of birth emergencies, reminding us that while patients and providers experience events differently, both deserve validation, compassion, and support in the aftermath.
Resources & Links
- 🎧 Listen to Julia’s story in [Episode 137] for the patient perspective
- 💜 Connect with Kayleigh: @thebirthtrauma_mama
- 🌐 Learn more about support for providers and patients: holdinghopeperinatal.com
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.