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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 229: "Was My Birth Actually Traumatic?"
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On today’s episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh answers one of the most common questions she hears from both clients and her online community: “Was my birth actually traumatic?”
In this mini episode, she breaks down the truth about trauma, reminding listeners that trauma is not defined by how something “looked” on paper, but by how it was experienced in the body and nervous system. This conversation invites you to release comparison, validate your own experience, and understand that you are worthy of support.
In this episode, we discuss:
✨ The question so many parents ask: “Was it bad enough to be trauma?”
🧠 Why trauma is subjective and based on your nervous system response
⚡ How trauma is a survival response not a choice
🤍 Letting go of the idea that trauma needs to meet a certain “threshold.”
🔍 Getting curious about why you’re asking if your birth was traumatic
💬 The desire for validation and feeling “worthy” of support
⚖️ The harmful impact of comparing your experience to others
🌱 Why you don’t need a label to seek help or healing
🫶 Giving yourself permission to acknowledge your experience as it was
💡 Understanding that if it felt traumatic, it was traumatic
Kayleigh gently challenges the belief that we need to justify our pain in order to receive care and reminds listeners that healing starts with validating your own experience, not minimizing it.
If you’ve ever questioned whether your birth “counts” as trauma or felt unsure if you deserve support, this episode is for you. 🤍
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.