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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 âhappen for a reason." Birth trauma sucks and itâs okay to admit that. Join us as we navigate what it means to heal from birth trauma. Youâll 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 donât do toxic positivity in this space, but youâll definitely hear some dark humor. Youâll laugh and youâll cry, but, most importantly, youâll learn that youâre not alone and that healing is possible. Birth trauma is bullish*it, but your healing is not.
The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast
Ep. 235: Medical Trauma and Post-Intensive Care Syndrome
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In this validating episode, Kayleigh is joined by Dr. James Jackson, an internationally recognized psychologist, neuropsychology specialist, and pioneer in post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Together, they explore the often-overlooked reality of medical trauma and what true healing can look like after surviving critical illness.
đ His book Reclaiming Your Life from Medical Trauma offers a compassionate, practical guide to recognizing symptoms, finding effective treatment, and healing both brain and body. Visit his website HERE for more information and resources.
đ§ Why trauma after ICU stays, birth complications, or serious illness is incredibly commonâand often unrecognized
đ„ How survivors often draw a stark line between life before trauma and life afterâand how healing reshapes that narrative
𧩠The impact on mental health, relationships, parenting, and family dynamics
đ Why grieving your old life and identity is essentialâand why it canât be rushed or skipped
âł Letting go of the idea that more therapy or support can âspeed upâ recovery
đ€ The transformative power of support groups and being seen by others who truly understand
đ How vivid, distressing memories formed during critical illness can fuel long-term trauma symptoms
đ¶âđ«ïž The cultural silence around medical traumaâand the harmful belief that we should âjust be gratefulâ to be alive
đ Making space for difficult emotions without shame or guilt
đ§ Learning to live a meaningful life even if some symptoms donât fully go away
đŹ Holding both joy and pain, trauma and growth, at the same time
Dr. James âJimâ Jackson is an internationally renowned expert on long Covid and its effects on cognitive and mental health functioning. A licensed psychologist specializing in neuropsychology and cognitive rehabilitation, he completed his psychology residency at the Veteranâs Affairs/Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Consortium while also receiving post-doctoral training in cognitive rehabilitation at the Oliver Zangwill Center in Ely, England. A pioneer in the investigation and treatment of PostâIntensive Care Syndrome (PICS),âa condition that impacts up to a third of survivors of critical illnessâhe is a research professor of Medicine and Psychiatry at Vanderbilt, where he is also the co-founder and director of Behavioral Health at the award-winning ICU Recovery Center, one of the first comprehensive clinical resources devoted to diagnosing and treating survivors of both mild and critical illness, including those who survived Covid-19.
There, Dr. Jackson consults with patients and their families from around the world. Additionally, he serves as the director of Long-Term Outcomes at the Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship (CIBS) Center, a consortium focused on advancing knowledge, education, and models of care for people affected by acute and longterm brain dysfunction following wide ranging illnesses (from mild to severe). He and his team created the first psychologist-led long Covid support groups in the United States early in the pandemic and continue to offer multiple groups every week.
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.