The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast

Kayleigh Summers
  • 4.9 (95)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 

  1. Ep. 233: Part 2 Pregnancy After AFE feat. Olivia

    2D AGO

    Ep. 233: Part 2 Pregnancy After AFE feat. Olivia

    In Part 2 of Olivia’s story, we move beyond the resuscitation and into what so many survivors say is the hardest part, the aftermath. From ICU recovery to postpartum trauma, returning to work, and making the deeply personal decision to grow her family again, Olivia shares a raw and powerful look at life after surviving an amniotic fluid embolism. This episode is a testament to grit, grief, and redefining what healing actually looks like. ✨ In this episode, we cover: 🩺 Life after survival, ICU recovery, dialysis, and the long road home 💔 The hidden trauma of the postpartum period after a near-death experience 🚫 Loss of autonomy, HIPAA violations, and navigating care as both patient + provider 🧠 PTSD triggers, panic attacks, and the reality of returning to work in healthcare 🤍 The role of support systems and showing up when it matters most 👶 Becoming a mother while still healing physically and emotionally 🤰 Choosing a subsequent pregnancy after AFE and facing judgment for it 🏥 A high-risk pregnancy with intense monitoring and a carefully crafted birth plan ⚠️ When the plan falls apart: an unexpected early delivery 🎀 Welcoming Rosie, and why a “healing birth” didn’t erase the trauma 📚 Starting a DNP program postpartum and turning pain into purpose 📊 Using lived experience to drive change in maternal healthcare 💡 Olivia also shares her powerful DNP project focused on improving emergency department response to maternal emergencies, bridging critical gaps in care and advocating for systemic change. 💭 Key Takeaway: Healing after birth trauma isn’t linear, and it isn’t about “fixing” what happened. It’s about learning to carry both grief and hope, while continuing to write your story forward. ⚠️ Content Note: This episode includes discussion of medical trauma, ICU stays, and life-threatening birth complications. Please listen with care. 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.

    1 hr

  2. 4D AGO

    Ep. 232: C-Sections & Birth Trauma - Not One Size Fits All

    April is Cesarean Awareness Month, and we’re re-releasing this incredibly important conversation to spotlight the complexities, emotions, and real stories behind C-sections. On this solo episode, Kayleigh is discussing all things c-section. She shares a few different studies highlighting the data on c-sections and PTSD, as well as how they compare to other modes of delivery. Kayleigh also touches on TOLACs and planned cesarean sections after birth trauma.  In this episode: - Types of C-Sections - C-Section and birth trauma - Communication and Support as mitigating factors - Delivery decisions after birth trauma (TOLAC v. planned c-section) - C-Sections under general anesthesia Studies Discussed: Garthus-Niegel S, von Soest T, Knoph C, Simonsen TB, Torgersen L, Eberhard-Gran M. The influence of women's preferences and actual mode of delivery on post-traumatic stress symptoms following childbirth: a population-based, longitudinal study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2014 Jun 5;14:191. doi: 10.1186/1471-2393-14-191. PMID: 24898436; PMCID: PMC4053555. Orovou E, Iliadou M, Chatzopoulou MT, Dagla M, Eskitzis P, Rigas N, Antoniou E. The Relation between Birth with Cesarean Section and Posttraumatic Stress in Postpartum Women. Maedica (Bucur). 2023 Dec;18(4):615-622. doi: 10.26574/maedica.2023.18.4.615. PMID: 38348064; PMCID: PMC10859197. Rowlands IJ, Redshaw M. Mode of birth and women's psychological and physical wellbeing in the postnatal period. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2012 Nov 28;12:138. doi: 10.1186/1471-2393-12-138. PMID: 23190575; PMCID: PMC3533875. 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. Why This Episode Matters: C-sections are the most common major surgery performed on women, yet they’re often misunderstood and under-supported. Whether you're a birthing parent, a partner, a provider, or a friend—this episode offers insight and empathy that can shift how we talk about and hold space for C-section experiences. 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.

    50 min
  3. Ep. 231: Part 1 When an ER Nurse has an AFE (and is conscious for most of it) feat. Olivia

    MAR 26

    Ep. 231: Part 1 When an ER Nurse has an AFE (and is conscious for most of it) feat. Olivia

    On today’s episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Olivia, a nurse, Navy veteran, and fellow AFE survivor, who shares her powerful and truly unique birth story. Olivia walks us through her experience of an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) during the birth of her son, Theo, including the unimaginable reality of being awake and aware during much of her own resuscitation. Her story is both medically complex and deeply human, highlighting the layers of trauma that can exist even when lives are ultimately saved. This is Part 1 of Olivia’s story. 🤍 In this episode, we discuss: ✨ Olivia’s background as an ER nurse and Navy veteran 🌍 Deploying during COVID and the impact of repeated medical trauma exposure 🤰 A challenging pregnancy while working night shift and relocating alone ⚠️ Early warning signs like vision changes and rising blood pressure 🏥 Electing for induction at 39 weeks and questioning that decision afterward 🫁 The sudden onset of shortness of breath — a key symptom of AFE 🚨 Rapid deterioration and emergency C-section under intense circumstances 😳 Being awake and aware during her own medical emergency 🩸 Developing DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation) 🏥 Massive transfusion protocol and ongoing resuscitation efforts ⏳ A prolonged, 23-hour decline leading to ECMO 🫀 Understanding how AFE can present without full cardiac arrest 🫁 Being placed on VV ECMO for lung support 😨 Experiencing awareness while paralyzed in the ICU 👂 Hearing conversations, procedures, and care while unable to move 💬 The importance of how providers speak around patients — even when they appear sedated Olivia’s story is a profound reminder that trauma is not just about survival — but about what is experienced during those life-threatening moments. Her perspective as both a patient and a medical provider offers an incredibly rare and important lens into birth trauma, critical care, and the lasting impact of these experiences. Be sure to tune in next week for Part 2, where Olivia shares her recovery, mental health journey, and what it was like to go on to have another baby after AFE — something rarely discussed. 🤍 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.

    41 min

  4. MAR 24

    Special Rerelease: Honoring AFE Awareness Day: Understanding Amniotic Fluid Embolism

    March 27th marks Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) Awareness Day, a time to honor the lives affected by this rare but life-threatening complication. In this special episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, we take a deep dive into what AFE is, how it happens, and what can be done to improve survival rates. In this episode, we discuss: 🩸 What is AFE? Understanding this sudden and unpredictable complication ⚕️ Symptoms & Diagnosis: How AFE presents and why it’s difficult to diagnose 🚨 Emergency Response & Treatment: The critical importance of rapid medical intervention 📉 Risk Factors & Research Gaps: What we know (and don’t know) about AFE prevention 💜 Support for Survivors & Families: Resources for those impacted AFE is rare—affecting about 1 in 40,000 births—but its impact is devastating. The best way to save lives is through awareness, preparedness, and research funding. Resources Mentioned: 🌐 AFE Foundation & Support Resources 📚 Free CEU Course for Healthcare Providers on AFE Management 📑 Simulation Toolkit & Emergency Guides for Medical Teams 📞 24/7 AFE Hotline for Medical Teams Managing Suspected Cases AFE survivors, grieving families, and medical professionals—this episode is for you. Let’s continue to raise awareness and push for better understanding, treatment, and support. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform! 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.

    29 min

  5. MAR 19

    Ep 230: The Cost of Not Being Believed: HELLP, Stroke, and Survival feat. Samina

    On today’s episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh speaks with author and advocate Samina Ali, who shares her devastating and powerful birth story. What began as a healthy first pregnancy quickly turned into a life-threatening medical emergency when her symptoms of preeclampsia were repeatedly dismissed by providers. Samina vulnerably shares how undiagnosed preeclampsia progressed into HELLP syndrome, seizures, stroke, and multi-organ failure, and the long road of recovery that followed. Her story highlights the dangerous consequences of not being believed in medical spaces and the systemic issues that continue to impact maternal health outcomes. In this episode, we discuss: ✨ A first pregnancy at 29 with symptoms that didn’t feel right ⚠️ Warning signs of preeclampsia that were repeatedly dismissed by providers 👁️ Experiencing visual disturbances, headaches, swelling, and severe symptoms late in pregnancy 🩺 Carrying a pregnancy to term while unknowingly experiencing multiple small strokes 💔 Feeling unheard and dismissed by the medical team during labor 🚨 Developing HELLP syndrome  🧠 Experiencing a grand mal seizure immediately after delivery 🩸 Suffering a massive brain hemorrhage and stroke 🏥 Being rushed to the neuro ICU in a coma after multi-organ failure 💔 Her newborn son requiring NICU care after the traumatic birth ⚖️ The role of systemic bias, racism, and dismissal in maternal healthcare 🌱 Surviving the unimaginable and eventually sharing her story through writing and advocacy Samina’s story is a powerful reminder that listening to women and especially women of color in medical spaces is life-saving care. Her experience sheds light on the realities of maternal morbidity in the United States and the urgent need for systemic change in how pregnant patients are heard, believed, and treated. We are incredibly grateful to Samina for sharing her story and continuing to advocate for safer maternal healthcare. 🤍 You can find Samina's books through her website HERE. Guest Bio: Samina Ali is an award-winning author, curator, and popular speaker. Her debut novel, MADRAS ON RAINY DAYS, won France’s prestigious Prix Premier Roman Etranger and was a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award in fiction. Her latest memoir, PIECES YOU'LL NEVER GET BACK, is a harrowing and redemptive memoir, in which a new mother must reconstruct her shattered mind, her relationship to her religious upbringing, and her life’s purpose. Named a "Most Anticipated Book of 2025" by multiple outlets, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Pieces You’ll Never Get Back was an April pick by the celebrity book club, Belletrist, and has been optioned for the screen. 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.

    41 min
  6. Ep 229: "Was My Birth Actually Traumatic?"

    MAR 17

    Ep 229: "Was My Birth Actually Traumatic?"

    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.

    25 min
  7. Ep. 228: Birth Trauma, a High Spinal, and the Power of the Right Care Team feat. Anya

    MAR 12

    Ep. 228: Birth Trauma, a High Spinal, and the Power of the Right Care Team feat. Anya

    On today’s episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh welcomes Anya to share the story of her first birth — a pregnancy that was completely uncomplicated until a cascade of unexpected events in labor led to a traumatic emergency C-section experience. Anya opens up about feeling pressured into surgery, a frightening complication with anesthesia in the operating room, and the terror of feeling unable to breathe while fully conscious. Her story highlights how quickly birth can shift and how important communication, consent, and emotional support are during labor and delivery.  In this episode, we discuss: ✨ An uncomplicated pregnancy that suddenly shifted during labor 💧 An accidental rupture of membranes during a membrane sweep 🏥 Induction with a Cook catheter and Pitocin 💉 Receiving a very heavy epidural and not realizing something was unusual ⚠️ A new on-call OB pushing for a C-section despite earlier progress 😔 Feeling confused, pressured, and unheard during labor decisions 🚨 Being rushed toward surgery without clear explanations 🩺 A frightening complication when anesthesia didn’t work as expected 😨 Experiencing panic and terror after suddenly losing the ability to breathe in the OR 🫁 The moment monitors alarmed and the team realized something was wrong 🤍 The emotional impact of feeling powerless and alone during a medical crisis Anya shares vulnerably about the fear, confusion, and loss of control she experienced in those moments — and how deeply those experiences can shape the way we process birth afterward. Her story is a powerful reminder that trauma in birth isn’t only about what happens medically, but how supported, informed, and safe a birthing person feels throughout the process. We are so grateful to Anya for sharing her story and helping others feel less alone in their experiences. 🤍 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.

    47 min

  8. MAR 10

    Ep. 227: My EMDR Expereince

    On today’s episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh shifts perspectives and shares her own therapy journey, not as a clinician, but as a client. After surviving a life-threatening birth experience and amniotic fluid embolism, Kayleigh opens up about the role therapy, medication, EMDR, and parts work have played in her healing. This vulnerable episode explores what trauma healing can actually look like years after the initial event and how deeper layers of trauma can surface in surprising ways.  In this episode, we discuss: ✨ Kayleigh’s personal therapy journey after surviving an amniotic fluid embolism 🧠 Why she sought therapy immediately after being discharged from the ICU 🤍 The power of relational therapy and feeling deeply seen in trauma recovery 💊 Navigating postpartum anxiety, health anxiety, and starting an SSRI 🔍 The overlap between health anxiety and OCD-style intrusive thoughts 🧑‍⚕️ How becoming an EMDR therapist changed the way she understood trauma healing 🌀 What EMDR and parts work looked like from the client perspective 🧩 How childhood experiences can shape the way we experience birth trauma 🏥 A surprising connection between childhood medical experiences and feeling unheard during birth 🌙 Processing an early childhood home robbery that fueled nighttime anxiety for decades 👩‍👦 The lingering trauma of nearly leaving her son without a mother 💬 Why talk therapy alone sometimes isn’t enough for trauma healing 🌱 How EMDR helped process trauma that was stored in the nervous system Kayleigh also shares an honest look at what healing can look like six years after trauma,  including the reality that some pieces resolve while others take longer to process. If you’ve wondered what EMDR therapy actually feels like, why trauma responses can appear years later, or why talking about trauma doesn’t always resolve it, this episode offers a deeply personal and insightful perspective. This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing is not linear — and that even therapists need support, care, and space to process their own stories. 🤍 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.

    41 min
See All (238)

4.9
out of 5
95 Ratings

About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Kayleigh Summers
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    238
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast

You Might Also Like