Planning for birth often centers around the joyful, expected moments, skin-to-skin, golden hour, and bringing your baby home. But what about the unexpected? What happens if birth takes a catastrophic turn?

In this joint episode with The BirthLounge Podcast, HeHe Stewart and I are collaborating again. Together, we unpack what it means to create a catastrophic birth plan, a tool to help families feel informed and empowered even in rare, life-threatening situations.

I share my personal experience of surviving an AFE and what I wish had been in place for myself, my baby, and my partner. This episode explores:

• 🌸 Why preparing for the worst doesn’t “manifest” it, and how planning can actually bring peace of mind
• 💬 How to have sensitive conversations with your partner about catastrophic scenarios
• 👶 Key decisions to include in your plan: separation of parent and baby, skin-to-skin, infant feeding, advocacy, and ICU support
• 📝 The importance of documenting your wishes and making sure your care team, partner, and point people are aligned
• 🤝 The role of doulas, family members, and providers in advocating for you if you are incapacitated
• 💡 What Kayleigh has learned from both her own story and her work with the AFE Foundation

This is a heavy but deeply important conversation about choice, autonomy, and advocacy in birth. Whether you decide to create your own catastrophic birth plan or not, this episode will give you tools to feel more prepared and more in control, even in the most unexpected circumstances.

Resources & Links

• 🌐 Learn more about the AFE Foundation: afesupport.org
  
  
• 📱 Connect with HeHe @tranquilitybyhehe
• 📱 Connect with Kayleigh: @thebirthtrauma_mama
  
  
• 💻 Explore Holding Hope Perinatal: holdinghopeperinatal.com

Guest Bio:
Haley "HeHe" Stewart is the founder of Tranquility by Hehe Maternity Concierge, a company that helps birthing people manage their birth experience. She has a Master's degree in Human Development and Family Studies. HeHe started Tranquility by Hehe in 2016. She has learned how to support families going through NICU stays, and how to prepare clients for them. She has also witnessed the compassion and abuse that can occur in NICUs.

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.