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. 189: AFLP, HELLP, & ICU Delirium feat. Lindsey
In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Lindsey, who shares her harrowing story of developing acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) and HELLP syndrome at 37 weeks. What began as a healthy, joyful pregnancy quickly spiraled into a medical emergency involving liver failure, internal bleeding, intubation, dialysis, and a two-week ICU stay.
Lindsey walks us through her fragmented memories, the video of meeting her daughter that went viral, and the hidden layers of ICU delirium and psychosis that shaped her early postpartum days. She also opens up about the long recovery process — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — and the ongoing grief of not having the choice to grow her family in the way she once imagined.
In this powerful conversation, Lindsey shares:
- 🩺 The early warning signs of AFLP and HELLP that were missed during pregnancy
- 🚨 Her sudden decline into liver and kidney failure, intubation, and emergency surgery
- 🧠 What it’s like to experience ICU psychosis — including believing her baby wasn’t hers
- 💔 The impact of having her second-child choice taken away
- 📸 Why photos, videos, and written updates from family became crucial for her healing
- 🌱 How she’s finding peace, connection, and joy as a mother of one
Lindsey’s story is a raw reminder of how quickly pregnancy complications can escalate, and why validation, advocacy, and compassionate debriefs matter so much in trauma recovery.
Resources & Links
- 💜 Connect with Kayleigh: @thebirthtrauma_mama
- 🌐 Learn more at holdinghopeperinatal.com
- 📖 Follow Lindsey on Instagram & TikTok: @lindseymurphy7
- 🎧 Related episode: ICU Delirium & Awake and Walking ICUs with Kaylee Dayton
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.