In this powerful and nuanced episode, I’m joined once again by Morgan Bradwell, LCSW, PMH-C, to explore the intersection between sexual trauma and perinatal trauma.

We discuss how past sexual trauma can shape the perinatal experience, increase the risk of birth trauma, and impact postpartum mental health, including rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Morgan draws from her clinical experience supporting survivors of sexual trauma and perinatal trauma to help us better understand how to support pregnant people with this history, whether you’re a provider, a partner, or navigating it yourself.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
🔹 How Morgan’s clinical work with survivors of sexual trauma led her to perinatal mental health 
🔹 The increased risk of perinatal trauma and postpartum PTSD for survivors
🔹 How medical systems and provider interactions can unintentionally retraumatize
🔹 Why trauma-informed care should be the standard for everyone, always
🔹 Scripts and strategies for survivors to advocate for their needs during pregnancy and birth
🔹 Actionable tools for partners and providers to offer safer, more supportive care
🔹 The power of healing, planning, and preparation to mitigate future trauma

⚠️ Content Warning:
This episode discusses sexual trauma, birth trauma, PTSD, and medical trauma. Please take care while listening and return to this episode when/if it feels safe enough for you.

Guest Bio:

Morgan is passionate about all things women’s health, trauma recovery, & maternal mental health. She is a firm believer that we all make sense in the context of what we’ve walked through, and that we all deserve villages of support as we navigate new seasons in life.

Morgan walks with women as they navigate anxiety, depression, major life transitions, grief, & trauma recovery. In addition to general women’s health concerns, as a certified perinatal mental health specialist she also works with a lot of women who are experiencing or have experienced postpartum depression/anxiety, pregnancy loss, infertility, birth trauma, NICU experiences, and adjustment struggles within parenthood. She practices from a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach, and enjoys helping clients integrate their mind & their bodies in order to find the way out of survival mode.

Learn more about Morgan Bradwell

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.