In this Listener Series episode, Kayleigh is joined by Bella, who courageously shares her journey through infertility, a high-risk twin pregnancy, perinatal depression, placenta previa, repeated hospitalizations, and an emergency C-section at just under 33 weeks.

Bella walks us through the shock of conceiving triplets after one round of Clomid, the grief of losing one baby early in pregnancy, and the fear and uncertainty that followed as complications continued to stack. From significant bleeding episodes and preterm labor to an emergency birth that separated her from her babies, Bella’s story sheds light on the physical and emotional toll of high-risk pregnancy and NICU life.

Together, Kayleigh and Bella explore not only what happened medically, but the lasting emotional impact, including grief over missed milestones, infertility due to medical necessity, and learning how to cope when the birth and motherhood journey looks nothing like what you imagined.

This episode is a powerful reminder that survival does not erase trauma, and that community can be a lifeline.

In this episode, we discuss:

🧪🤍 Infertility, Clomid, and the shock of conceiving triplets

🕊️💔 Early pregnancy loss and the complicated emotions that can follow

⚠️🤰 Placenta previa and what happens when it doesn’t resolve

🧠🌧️ Perinatal depression and intrusive thoughts during pregnancy

🚑🩸 Recurrent bleeding, preterm labor, and extended bed rest

⏱️🏥 A sudden placental abruption and emergency C-section at 32 weeks, 6 days

🚫👨‍👩‍👧 Separation from partner during an emergency birth

🩺🍼 NICU life, steroid shots, and premature twins who beat the odds

🩸⚡ Postpartum hemorrhage and delayed first meeting with her babies

📸💭 Grief over missing first moments and memories

🍼🧊 Exclusively pumping, overproduction, and milk donation

🚫🤰 Being unable to carry another pregnancy and the finality of that loss

💔🌈 Mourning the birth, pregnancy, and motherhood experiences you didn’t get

🤝💬 Finding healing through community, shared stories, and connection

🕯️🗓️ Coping one day at a time through trauma and recovery

Key takeaway:

You can be grateful your babies are here and grieve what was taken from you. Both can exist at the same time, and you don’t have to carry it alone.

If this episode resonated with you:

You’re not broken. You’re not weak. And you’re not alone. Sharing stories like Bella’s helps make space for honesty, grief, and healing in a world that often expects silence.

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.