In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, I’m joined by licensed trauma therapist, author, and speaker Kobe Campbell for an honest, and deeply vulnerable conversation about her traumatic birth experience and the lifelong impact it’s had on her, her son, and her healing journey.

What began as a dreamy, hypno-birthing-fueled pregnancy quickly turned into a series of medical emergencies: preeclampsia, placental abruption, IUGR, a failed epidural, an emergency C-section, NICU transfers, and devastating relational trauma at the hands of dismissive and discriminatory providers. Kobe vulnerably shares the layers of grief, rage, and resilience she continues to navigate years later, along with the role EMDR, faith, and trauma-informed therapy have played in her recovery.

This conversation is a masterclass in naming the complexities of birth trauma, especially when compounded by racial bias, medical negligence, and a total lack of compassion.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

⚠️ How Kobe’s “dream birth” narrative met a brutal medical reality
📉 A shock preeclampsia diagnosis and abrupt transfer to a higher-level hospital
🫀 The missed diagnosis of her baby’s heart and liver malformations
🚨 The chaos and fear of an emergency C-section and her baby’s near-death
💉 A failed epidural, allergic reaction to morphine, and punctured dura
💬 Medical racism, microaggressions, and the emotional toll of being unheard
🧠 Why EMDR was transformative in processing birth trauma and childhood wounds
👣 The silent sisterhood of mothers still carrying what they were never allowed to name
💛 How Kobe shows up for new moms in her life now, with deep care and validation
🗣️ The cost of telling the truth about traumatic births in a world that demands gratitude

Resources & Mentions:

📘 Learn more about Kobe’s work: @kobe.campbell
📚 Trauma Support & Resources: birthtraumamama.com/resources
📖 Kobe’s book, Why Am I Like This? — A guide through faith and trauma healing

🎧 Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts. If this episode moved you, please consider rating, reviewing, or sharing it. It helps other trauma survivors find the hope and validation they deserve.

Guest Bio: 

Kobe Campbell is an award-winning licensed trauma therapist, bestselling author, media expert, entertainment consultant and keynote speaker. Kobe just released her first book with W Publishing of HarperCollins titled Why Am I Like This?: How to Break Cycles, Heal From Trauma, and Restore Your Faith.

 With a kind, compassionate, and energetic spirit, she helps people find the truest versions of themselves under the pain that they’ve endured through therapy, intensives, speaking, retreats, and organizational training. Kobe specializes in working with clients in public-facing professions as they process their trauma in the midst of their creative work and public visibility. 

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.