As the holiday season approaches, we’re revisiting one of the most requested and resonant solo episodes of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. In this special re-release, Kayleigh dives into the complex, emotional landscape of navigating the holidays after birth or perinatal trauma,  a topic that so many in our community quietly struggle with, but one that’s rarely talked about openly.

Drawing from her own experience and the countless stories shared within this community, Kayleigh unpacks the many layers that make the holiday season uniquely challenging after trauma, whether your trauma happened during the holidays or you’re simply facing your first (or fifth) holiday season that looks nothing like you imagined.

Inside this episode, Kayleigh explores:

🎄 Why the holidays can feel surprisingly hard, even when your trauma didn’t occur during this season
💔 The painful “expectation vs. reality” gap of first holidays after birth trauma
🗓️ How trauma anniversaries collide with holiday markers, memories, and traditions
✨ Coping strategies to help you make space for grief while still accessing moments of joy
👨‍👩‍👧 Navigating family gatherings, unsolicited comments, and invalidation
🛑 Setting boundaries and preparing scripts for challenging conversations
🤝 How partners, friends, and birth trauma buddies can support you through triggering moments
🌱 Creating new traditions when you’re ready, without erasing the past

Whether you’re stepping into the holiday season for the first time after trauma or have carried these heavy feelings for years, this episode offers grounded tools, compassionate validation, and the reminder that you’re not doing anything wrong and you’re not alone.

Resources & Links

💜 Connect with Kayleigh: @thebirthtrauma_mama
🌐 Learn more at HoldingHopePerinatal.com

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.