In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Kelsea, a mom of three, to share the emotional, terrifying, and deeply transformative story of her son Oliver’s birth and NICU journey a birth she hoped would finally be a peaceful experience after two difficult deliveries, but instead became her most traumatic one yet.

Scheduled for a repeat C-section at 37 weeks due to rising blood pressures and a history of preeclampsia, Kelsea entered the hospital with a pit in her stomach,  a feeling she now knows was intuition. 

The days that followed were filled with fear and uncertainty. Oliver deteriorated quickly, and for 24 hours, doctors weren’t sure what was wrong. Finally, a NICU physician discovered that he had a pneumothorax, a collapsed left lung, and early signs of sepsis. He was intubated, placed on chest tubes, and put under strict no-hold restrictions leading to a heartbreaking stretch where Kelsea couldn’t touch, comfort, or even pick up her newborn son.

Together, Kayleigh and Kelsea talk through:

💔 The trauma of being left out of communication during a crisis birth
🩺 The emotional impact of undergoing sterilization during medical chaos
👶 The shock of seeing your newborn decline — and the terror of hearing “a crucial 24 hours”
🫁 Understanding pneumothorax, ventilation, and NICU stabilization
🤍 The grief of not being able to hold or comfort your baby
🌪 How prolonged NICU stays affect bonding, breastfeeding, and postpartum anxiety
🧠 Navigating postpartum depression, medical PTSD, and extreme anxiety
🌱 Kelsea’s healing journey — from EMDR to ketamine-assisted therapy
✨ What it means to rebuild your life and find moments of joy after trauma

Today, Oliver is home, growing, and defying early predictions  walking, connecting, and meeting milestones doctors weren’t sure he’d reach. But the journey isn’t simple: Oliver lives with mild right-sided cerebral palsy, swallowing challenges, global developmental delays, and ongoing medical needs.

And yet, Kelsea has transformed her pain into purpose. She and her family have given back to more than 100 NICU families, and she shares their story openly to remind others that they are not alone and that healing is possible.

Connect with Kelsea
📸 Instagram: @lifewithmonroe
📧 Email available in episode notes

Connect with Kayleigh
💜 @thebirthtrauma_mama
🌐 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.