In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this week’s Listener Series episode features a deeply moving and courageous conversation with Jocelyn. She shares her story of how a sexual assault in college—though years in the past—powerfully influenced her second birth experience, which unfolded into a traumatic emergency C-section under general anesthesia.

Jocelyn Rodal's experience highlights the devastating impact of being unheard, unprepared, and uninformed in moments of extreme vulnerability—and how a history of sexual trauma can resurface in the birthing room in ways that even well-meaning providers may not realize.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:
🔹 Jocelyn’s background and how her past sexual assault shaped her birth choices
🔹 A positive and healing first birth experience—and how it differed drastically from the second
🔹 A cascade of medical decisions and lack of communication that led to trauma
🔹 Being restrained, intubated, and operated on while still conscious
🔹 The emotional and physical aftermath of being dehumanized in the OR
🔹 How language like “we don’t allow” can strip away patient autonomy and retraumatize survivors
🔹 The long road of PTSD recovery and the role of therapy, debriefing, and validation in healing

This episode is a powerful reminder that birth is not just medical—it is deeply emotional and personal. Jocelyn’s story urges providers to communicate clearly, seek informed consent, and practice trauma-informed care, especially for survivors of sexual trauma.

Resources Mentioned:

• RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotline
• Postpartum Support International
• Trauma-informed birth support and therapy directories available at thebirthtraumamama.com

Trigger Warning: This episode includes graphic descriptions of sexual trauma, medical restraint, and non-consensual procedures. Please take care while listening.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review to support this essential conversation. 💜

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.