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. 244: From Twin Birth to Neuro ICU feat. Jessica
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In this episode, Jessica shares the unimaginable journey of becoming a first-time mom to twin boys while surviving a rare and life-threatening postpartum medical complication after a wet tap during her epidural. From seizures and brain bleeds to time in the neuro ICU and separation from her newborns, Jessica vulnerably opens up about trauma, healing, advocacy, and ultimately finding hope through a healing birth experience with her third baby.
💛 The emotional rollercoaster of conceiving twins after fertility struggles and navigating a high-risk pregnancy
🤰 Severe pregnancy sickness, extra monitoring, and transferring care to a larger hospital for delivery
🏥 The frustration and stress of a delayed induction two hours away from home
💉 A traumatic epidural experience involving a “wet tap” and complications that quickly escalated after delivery
⚠️ The terrifying onset of neurological symptoms, grand mal seizures, and discovering multiple subdural hematomas after birth
🧠 How spinal fluid loss after the epidural led to brain sagging, bleeding, ICU admission, and a long neurological recovery
👶 The heartbreak of being separated from her newborn twin boys during her postpartum hospitalization
😭 Navigating postpartum trauma while coping with seizures, medication side effects, fear, anger, and loss of independence
🚗 Losing her driver’s license for six months after seizures and the emotional toll of repeated hospital admissions
📚 The complicated emotions that surfaced when the hospital requested to publish her rare medical case
🫶 The life-changing support of birth trauma therapy, mental health medication, and an incredibly supportive family
🌤️ How time, therapy, community, and answers slowly helped her begin to feel like herself again
🎙️ The impact the Birth Trauma Mama community and Safe Partum anesthesia episode had on her healing journey
✨ Choosing to pursue another pregnancy after trauma and preparing differently for a subsequent birth
🏥 Experiencing a deeply healing repeat C-section at a new hospital with a compassionate care team
💚 Jessica’s message of hope for other birth trauma survivors considering future pregnancies and births
🤍 A reminder that healing is possible, support matters, and you are never alone in your birth trauma journey
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.