Mamahood After Trauma | Healing Childhood Trauma, Parenting Triggers & Emotional Regulation for Moms

Emily Cleghorn| Trauma Informed Trigger Recovery Coach for Moms
  • 4.9 (17)
  • Mental Health
  • Weekly

Are you a mama healing from childhood trauma while trying to stop repeating the patterns you grew up with? You’re not alone — and you’re in the right place. I’m Emily Cleghorn, trauma-surviving mama of two and Trigger Recovery Coach for Mamas. Mamahood After Trauma is where we stop pretending we’re “fine” and start healing out loud. This podcast explores what happens when your past shows up in your parenting — from parenting triggers and emotional regulation to mom guilt, burnout, maternal mental health, and breaking generational cycles. Each week, you’ll get honest conversations, trauma-informed education, and practical tools to help you: ✨ Understand your parenting triggers and respond instead of react ✨ Regulate your emotions when motherhood feels overwhelming ✨ Heal unprocessed childhood, emotional, or birth trauma ✨ Build resilience and trust yourself as a mom ✨ Create a more connected relationship with yourself and your children Whether you’re struggling with yelling, feeling touched out and overwhelmed, experiencing trauma resurfacing in motherhood, or simply wanting to parent differently than you were parented — this show is here to support your healing journey. This isn’t about becoming a perfect mom. It’s about becoming a more present, connected, and confident one — while healing the parts of yourself that were never meant to be carried alone. 🎧 Subscribe and join the cycle-breaking journey. Learn more at mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/podcast Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

  1. 3d ago

    When Co-Parenting Feels Chronically Nasty: Finding Your Footing in Family Court

    After spending 20 years struggling to recognize what safety felt like, Amy Armstrong began rebuilding her sense of power with an unexpected ally: a pair of inexpensive western-style boots she wore on intimidating days. In this episode, Amy joins Emily Cleghorn to talk about supporting mothers navigating high-conflict co-parenting and court, where being believed can feel like another battle. She shares a practical way to prepare for difficult exchanges and holidays, listen to what your body needs, and plan for the time apart when your children are with their other parent. You’ll also hear how small, personal reminders can help you feel grounded and choose how you want to show up. In this episode, we explore:  - Reclaiming personal power while healing from trauma - Navigating difficult co-parenting relationships and legal proceedings - Communicating effectively and advocating for children in court - Setting boundaries and responding to persistent conflict - Building self-trust and recognizing felt safety in the body - Using grounding practices and personal reminders to feel empowered - Preparing for stressful family events and holiday interactions - Coping with time apart from children and planning supportive activities - Caring for well-being through relationships, environment, and physical needs - Exploring practical tools, sample scripts, and ways to strengthen boundaries Connect with Amy: http://podcast.thecenterforfamilyresolution.com/mamahood  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

  2. 5d ago

    The Coping Mechanisms We Developed to Survive — Without Shame

    Have you ever been praised for being the strong one, keeping the peace, or getting everything perfect—while privately feeling exhausted by the effort? Maybe you find yourself reading every mood in the room or treating a small mistake like an emergency, and wonder why it’s so hard to respond differently, even when you know the kind of mama you want to be. What if these habits aren’t simply personality traits—or proof that something is wrong with you? Some may have begun as ways to feel safe, though not every coping habit is a trauma response. In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, Emily Cleghorn explores how trauma can shape the patterns we bring into motherhood, how we respond to our children, and how we navigate healing. Together, we’ll explore: How coping habits like people-pleasing, perfectionism, and being “the strong one” may develop as ways to stay safe. Why healing doesn’t mean giving up every coping strategy or becoming perfectly regulated. How to notice what no longer serves you while meeting the version of you who survived with compassion. Because when we understand that healing is about having more choice, we can move away from shame and begin making space to try something new—without expecting ourselves to get it perfect. Your next step: Notice one coping habit that shows up for you today. Thank the part of you that learned it, then gently ask whether it still feels helpful. Ready to discover your next step toward calm and confidence? Take the Find Your Next Step to Calm and Confidence Quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

  3. Oct 22

    Motherhood Changes Your Brain. Why Are We Still Comparing Ourselves to Before?

    Episode Description After giving birth in February 2020, Rebekah Duvall found herself facing postpartum mental and physical health challenges just as the world shut down. I n this episode, she shares how that experience led her from a career in HR to counseling—and why she now advocates for better perinatal care. Emily Cleghorn and Rebekah discuss the isolation trauma can create, the pressure to measure yourself against your pre-motherhood self, and the support gaps that can leave new parents struggling alone. They also talk about Flora’s Walk, honoring a mother who died after postpartum psychosis, and the need for earlier, more accessible support for moms. In this episode, we explore:  - Perinatal and postpartum mental health challenges, including anxiety, OCD, and postpartum psychosis - The transition to parenthood and how it changes coping skills, identity, and daily responsibilities - Trauma-related feelings of isolation and the importance of building trust and safety - Maternal guilt, comparison, and the pressures of social media - Gaps in maternal mental health care and the need for accessible, proactive support - Awareness and advocacy for perinatal mental health, including community events and fundraising - The effects of pregnancy, birth, infertility, loss, and adoption on mental health - Finding counseling and other support for mothers during and beyond the postpartum period Connect with Rebekah:  https://rebekahduvalcounselling.com   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

  4. Oct 20

    Trauma & Emotional Eating, Detachment, Shutdown

    Have you ever mistaken feeling numb for feeling calm? Maybe you’ve found yourself scrolling, overworking, eating, sleeping, or going quiet when you’re overwhelmed—and wondered why it’s so hard to respond differently, even when you want to feel more present in motherhood. What if these habits aren’t simply “bad” choices, but coping strategies that once helped you feel safe? In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, Emily Cleghorn explores how trauma-related coping can show up in everyday life, influence how you experience motherhood, and shape your healing journey. Together, we’ll explore: - Why distraction, overworking, emotional eating, sleeping, or going quiet may have helped you cope. - How to begin noticing the difference between rest and shutdown. - Why healing doesn’t mean shaming yourself or forcing every feeling to the surface. Because when we begin to understand the purpose behind our coping strategies, we can move away from relying on distraction as our only option and create space for more choice and support. Your next step: Pause and gently ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” Ready to discover your next step toward calm and confidence? Take the Find Your Next Step to Calm and Confidence Quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   Connect with Emily:  If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

  5. Oct 15

    Raising Families Starts With Helping Parents Find Their Footing

    After 27 years working with young people and 6,500 families, Dr. Jerry Weichman says one of the biggest sources of parental stress is trying to control what can’t be controlled. On Mamahood After Trauma, he shares practical ways to steady yourself: notice when stress is rising, return to the present through your senses, and turn repetitive thoughts toward actions that can help. He also explains how looking for one or two positives in a hard situation can change how you feel—and why putting energy into others can restore a sense of purpose. A grounded conversation about caring for your mental health while raising kids in an unstable world.   Connect with Dr. Jerry:  Podcast Website: https://raisingfamiliespodcast.com   Website: https://drjerryweichman.com     Instagram: @drjerryweichman   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Mamahood After Trauma Supporter- https://buymeacoffee.com/emilycleghorn Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

  6. Oct 13

    Trauma & Stress Illness: When the Body Keeps Score Out Loud

    When a crisis finally eases, your body may seem to fall apart—sleep, digestion, pain, or energy can become harder to manage. It’s unsettling when stress may be part of the picture, but new or persistent symptoms still need proper medical evaluation. The belief that trauma explains every symptom can lead you to overlook care you need. And while fear can amplify the stress response, that doesn’t mean your symptoms are imaginary. In this episode, you’ll learn how to listen to your body without dismissing it or treating every sensation as danger—and how to make room for both medical care and nervous-system support. Emily Cleghorn explores the effects of prolonged stress on the body and offers a compassionate, balanced perspective on trauma and physical symptoms. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This episode of Mamahood After Trauma is brought to you by Lovebug Probiotics, a mom-founded probiotic brand created with families in mind. Lovebug's story began with motherhood. During the birth of her son, Hudson, co-founder Ashley Harris received broad-spectrum antibiotics. That experience led Ashley to start learning more about the gut microbiome and ultimately inspired her to create Lovebug — science-backed probiotics designed to make supporting gut health a simple part of everyday family wellness. Today, Lovebug offers probiotics for different ages and stages, with options for babies, toddlers, kids, women, and adults. Their products are designed to support digestive and immune health, with family-friendly options that can fit into everyday routines.* Emily also had the opportunity to personally try Immune Support Probiotics and especially liked Kids Probiotics  because my kids loved the taste so she didn't have to fight with them! Taking care of yourself doesn't have to mean doing everything perfectly. Sometimes it's about finding simple, sustainable ways to support yourself while you care for everyone else. Ready to find the right Lovebug for you and your family? Shop Lovebug Probiotics: https://lovebug.com/ Use code MAMAHOOD20 for 20% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Mamahood After Trauma Supporter- https://buymeacoffee.com/emilycleghorn Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

  7. Oct 8

    The Small, Painfully Slow Wins That Make Change Last

    At 20, Monica’s eating disorders and suicidal thoughts led her to seek urgent help at her university counseling office. Years later, as a young mother of three, severe depression returned—and a therapist helped her see that perfectionism hadn’t disappeared; it had shifted into all-or-nothing thinking. Monica joins Emily Cleghorn to explain how she spent a decade rebuilding her life through small steps, self-compassion, and a new definition of progress. She also shares the unexpected relief of being told recovery might take a lifetime—and how, 20 years later, those once-overwhelming thoughts have become “like a little fly.” Bullet Points - Perfectionism, overachievement, and the cost of tying self-worth to outcomes - Eating disorder recovery and mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety - The impact of trauma and life experiences on perfectionistic patterns - Rebuilding identity beyond achievements, failures, and productivity - The relationship between beliefs, identity, habits, and behavior - Using awareness, self-compassion, and small attempts to support lasting change - Replacing shame and all-or-nothing thinking with patience and flexibility - The courage required to change familiar patterns and accept gradual progress - Developing sustainable habits that fit real life and interruptions - Finding support through therapy, self-help resources, and habit-building guidance   Connect with Monica:  https://stickyhabitsbook.com https://aboutprogress.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Mamahood After Trauma Supporter- https://buymeacoffee.com/emilycleghorn Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

  8. Oct 6

    Trauma & Addiction: What I've Seen, Lived, or Learned

    When a coping strategy starts causing harm, it can be frightening to wonder whether you’re addicted—or simply unable to stop. In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, Emily Cleghorn looks at how trauma-related coping can show up as substance use, endless scrolling, overwork, or always being the person everyone depends on—and how motherhood can bring those patterns into sharper focus. The belief that you should be able to stop through willpower alone can deepen shame and keep you from seeking help. Emily offers a more compassionate question: What need is this behavior meeting, and what support could help meet that need in a safer way? You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to approach these patterns without judgment, when professional support may help, and when immediate care is important. Emily Cleghorn is a trauma-informed coach and host of Mamahood After Trauma, where she helps mothers understand how trauma can shape their experiences and find compassionate paths toward healing. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Mamahood After Trauma Supporter- https://buymeacoffee.com/emilycleghorn Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

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4.9
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Are you a mama healing from childhood trauma while trying to stop repeating the patterns you grew up with? You’re not alone — and you’re in the right place. I’m Emily Cleghorn, trauma-surviving mama of two and Trigger Recovery Coach for Mamas. Mamahood After Trauma is where we stop pretending we’re “fine” and start healing out loud. This podcast explores what happens when your past shows up in your parenting — from parenting triggers and emotional regulation to mom guilt, burnout, maternal mental health, and breaking generational cycles. Each week, you’ll get honest conversations, trauma-informed education, and practical tools to help you: ✨ Understand your parenting triggers and respond instead of react ✨ Regulate your emotions when motherhood feels overwhelming ✨ Heal unprocessed childhood, emotional, or birth trauma ✨ Build resilience and trust yourself as a mom ✨ Create a more connected relationship with yourself and your children Whether you’re struggling with yelling, feeling touched out and overwhelmed, experiencing trauma resurfacing in motherhood, or simply wanting to parent differently than you were parented — this show is here to support your healing journey. This isn’t about becoming a perfect mom. It’s about becoming a more present, connected, and confident one — while healing the parts of yourself that were never meant to be carried alone. 🎧 Subscribe and join the cycle-breaking journey. Learn more at mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/podcast Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

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