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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. 199: Social Work, Medicine, and the Heart of OB Care
In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Dr. Jackie Dallaire, an OBGYN and former social work major, to explore what truly human-centered care looks like inside the world of obstetrics.
Jackie’s path to medicine began with a foundation in social work, where she learned the importance of empathy, systems thinking, and seeing every person in the context of their story. Those lessons have shaped how she shows up in her practice today, as a doctor who listens deeply, centers her patients’ autonomy, and advocates for a more compassionate model of care.
Together, Kayleigh and Dr. Dallaire unpack what it means to practice trauma-informed medicine in a system that often prioritizes efficiency over empathy, and why collaboration between OBs and midwives is one of the most powerful ways to create safer, more empowering birth experiences.
They explore:
💜 How a social work background can transform the way a doctor approaches patient care
🩺 The role of empathy and social context in maternal health outcomes
🤰 Why integrated OB + midwifery care models support both safety and autonomy
💬 How to rebuild trust between patients and providers in a post-trauma system
🌱 What trauma-informed obstetric care really looks like, in both practice and philosophy
Dr. Dallaire’s insights are a reminder that birth work can be both evidence-based and heart-centered, and that true healing begins when patients and providers meet each other with trust, humility, and compassion.
Resources & Links
💜 Connect with Kayleigh: @thebirthtrauma_mama
🌐 Learn more at 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.