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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. 188: Birth Trauma, Body Image, and Eating Concerns
In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Andrea Wetterau, a licensed clinical social worker, EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist, and perinatal mental health certified provider, for an eye-opening conversation on the intersection of birth trauma, body image, and eating concerns in the perinatal period.
Andrea shares her personal journey of developing an eating disorder as a teen, choosing recovery every day, and later facing the resurfacing of old struggles after experiencing significant birth and postpartum trauma herself. Now, through her work with pregnant and postpartum clients, Andrea helps parents navigate the complex ways food and body struggles can show up during and after birth trauma.
This conversation explores:
- 🍽 How food and body concerns can resurface or intensify in pregnancy and postpartum
- 💔 Why trauma often brings up feelings of powerlessness, shame, and being unheard, and how those connect to eating concerns
- 🧠 The role of limiting beliefs and “little t” traumas in shaping postpartum experiences
- 🌱 Why bounce-back culture and societal expectations make recovery harder for new parents
- 🧩 How therapies like EMDR and IFS can support deeper healing beyond talk therapy
- 🤝 What providers, partners, and loved ones can do to support parents struggling with food and body image postpartum
Andrea also offers validation, practical support strategies, and a reminder that behind food and body struggles often lies something deeper that deserves compassion and healing.
Ways to connect with Andrea:
Instagram: @nurtured.embodied.mama
Website: www.wetterauwellness.com
Resources & Links
- 💜 Connect with Kayleigh: @thebirthtrauma_mama
- 🌐 Learn more at holdinghopeperinatal.com
- 📖 Explore resources from the National Eating Disorder Association: nationaleatingdisorders.org
Guest Bio:
Andrea Wetterau is a Licensed Clinical Independent Social Worker and Licensed Mental Health Counselor; certified in Perinatal Mental Health and in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy; and trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy and Perinatal Yoga.
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.