In this powerful episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Alex, a mom of two and congenital heart disease survivor, who shares her journey through two high-risk pregnancies and two traumatic births.

Alex opens up about living with complex congenital heart defects, undergoing open-heart surgery as an infant, and entering pregnancy knowing she would always be medically high-risk. Despite meticulous care and expert providers, both pregnancies took sudden, life-threatening turns, illustrating how trauma can exist even when everything is “managed well.”

This episode explores the fear, grief, and lasting impact of emergency medical decisions, general anesthesia during birth, NICU life, and the heartbreak of realizing a redemptive birth may never come.

In this episode, we discuss:

🫀 Living with congenital heart disease and lifelong cardiac care

🤰 Navigating pregnancy as a medically complex, high-risk patient

🩸 Subchorionic hematoma and sub-placental abruption

📉 Severe fetal growth restriction and constant monitoring

🚨 Sudden cardiac crisis at 28 weeks and rapid atrial fibrillation

🚑 Emergency transport, medical chaos, and lack of clear communication

🩺 Cardioversion during pregnancy

💉 Emergency C-section under general anesthesia

👩‍⚕️ Being both a healthcare worker and a NICU parent

🩹 Postpartum recovery after life-threatening birth trauma

🔁 Experiencing pregnancy and birth trauma again

❌ Grieving the loss of a redemptive birth experience

🤝 Healing through community, shared stories, and compassion

⚖️ Learning to hold grief and pride at the same time

Key takeaway:

Survival does not erase trauma. You can be deeply grateful your children are here and grieve how their stories began. Both deserve space.

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.