Trauma Mamas

Trauma Mamas is a podcast dedicated to the incredible families who navigate the ICU and raise children with medical complexities. These parents have faced the unimaginable—from premature births and life-saving surgeries to chronic illnesses, long ICU stays, and child loss. Each episode shares their stories of unwavering love and tireless advocacy, even when all hope seems lost. These powerful, inspiring stories deserve to be heard and celebrated. Trauma Mamas also provides resources, hope, and a sense of community for those who need it most. Through shared experiences and meaningful conversations, we aim to support parents who are fighting for their children’s health and well-being.

Podcasting since 2025 • 14 episodes

Trauma Mamas

Latest Episodes

#14: You Weren't Expecting Your Baby to Develop Severe BPD (Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia): With Tori

This episode is all about bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) — not from a medical textbook, but from two moms who’ve been living it for over two years. Tori and I share how we’ve come to understand our sons’ diagnoses of severe BPD: what it is, h...

April 29, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 14 • 59:57

#13: You Weren't Expecting to Live in a Ronald Mcdonald House-With Kate and Abby from RMHC of Central Ohio

When your child is hospitalized—especially far from home—everything changes. Whether your stay is just a few days or nearly 700, you need more than a bed. You need care, consistency, and people who understand what you’re going through. That’s e...

April 22, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 13 • 51:27

#12: You Weren't Expecting Your Trach Baby to Become TikTok Famous

This week, I’m joined by Nicole from The Daily Vent Podcast! We talk hurricane prep, hospital life, in-home nursing, and why we started sharing our stories online. This is a laid back conversation about so many things. Our sons have...

April 15, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 12 • 1:22:56

Thank You to Our Listeners and Co-Hosts! Brand New Episode April 15th

In this special episode, we’re wrapping up the first 10 episodes of Trauma Mamas: Stories from the ICU and Having Medically Complex Kids. I’ll be taking a short break from posting new episodes until April 15, during this time I’ll be w...

March 27, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 11 • 21:37

#10: You Weren't Expecting to Learn so Much From Nick and Leslie: You Are Not Defined by Cerebral Palsy or Other Diagnoses

Wow!! Episode 10! I had just met Leslie for the first time doing this episode. She is just so easy to talk to and get to know. After discovering our podcast through Tori, Leslie reached out, excited about the community we’re building—a communit...

March 18, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 10 • 1:16:08

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Fan Mail

Hi! My name is Kim, I am a friend of Leslie and Nick Brittell and listened to the podcast you and Leslie did together. I LOVED it! I was going to listen to a different podcast this morning but the Trauma Mamas podcast popped up in my view and it was the episode about the Ronald McDonald House. I teared up instantly. In November of 1999 we stayed at the RMDH of San Francisco for 12 weeks. A million memories flooded back into my brain and heart. I had fetal surgery to repair my son’s diaphragmatic hernia. Even though he was unborn, he was still considered a patient and we were allowed to live there while I was on bedrest. It was a transformative experience in our lives. The staff and families became a part of us and we stay in touch until this day. My amazing mama was caring for me during my stay while my husband remained at our home in Oregon. She became the "house mom" and provided loving support for the parents when they came home after a long day in the NICU. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the unexpected gift of this podcast.

Newberg, Oregon