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. 224: Sharing Your Birth Trauma: Timing, Safety, and Choice
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this episode, Kayleigh talks about something that comes up again and again in our community: how, when, and whether to share your birth trauma story. From conversations with pregnant friends to posting publicly or presenting professionally, this episode explores navigating boundaries, safety, and connection, without shame. You are allowed to share your story. And you’re also allowed to protect it.
In this episode, we talk about:
🗣️ The myth of “trauma dumping” and why your story isn’t too much
🤰 How to navigate conversations with pregnant friends
💛 Offering “what I wish I had known” instead of every detail
🧠 Asking: Is this space safe for my story?
😔 The icky feeling of oversharing—and why it happens after trauma
✨ Replacing shame with self-compassion
🚧 Simple phrases to set boundaries when you don’t want to share
🌍 Sharing your story publicly in a way that feels intentional
⏱️ Why practicing different lengths/versions of your story matters
🛠️ The role of therapy and processing before public storytelling
🤍 Protecting your nervous system while raising awareness
Why this episode matters:
🌟 You are allowed to tell your story
🌟 You don’t owe anyone the details
🌟 Boundaries and advocacy can coexist
🌟 Your story deserves safety, care, and intention
Whether you’re figuring out how to talk to a pregnant friend or preparing to share your story on a bigger stage, this episode offers practical tools and gentle validation. Your story matters, and you get to decide how it’s told. 🤍
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.