In this powerful Listener Series episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Andrea, who shares her story of an unexpected pregnancy complicated by severe placenta accreta, a nine-hour delivery surgery, massive hemorrhage, ICU recovery, and a long, complex postpartum healing journey.

Andrea walks listeners through receiving a terrifying accreta diagnosis at her anatomy scan, navigating the fear of life-threatening hemorrhage, and making the critical decision to transfer care to a specialized accreta center. Her story highlights the importance of self-advocacy, multidisciplinary care, and listening to your instincts, especially when your life is on the line.

This episode also tenderly explores the emotional aftermath of survival: delayed bonding after general anesthesia, prolonged separation from her baby, months of physical complications, depression, and the long road to processing trauma once the body finally stabilizes.

In this episode, we discuss:

🤰 An unexpected fourth pregnancy and a shocking placenta accreta diagnosi

🩺 Learning what placenta accreta is and why severity matters

🚩Recognizing red flags and transferring care to a high-volume accreta center

🩸 Preparing for hemorrhage, blood loss, and a planned preterm delivery

😴 Delivery under general anesthesia and emergency hysterectomy

🚨 Massive hemorrhage and receiving life-saving blood transfusions

🏥 Waking up intubated in the ICU after a nine-hour surgery

🧵Multiple surgeries, drains, catheters, and prolonged hospitalization

🖤 Delayed bonding and questioning connection after traumatic birth

💔 Postpartum depression, despondency, and emotional collapse after survival

🧍‍♂️The toll of birth trauma on partners and families

💸 Financial strain, caregiving, and extended medical recovery

🔁 Intrusive memories, rumination, and trauma resurfacing months later

🛋️ EMDR therapy and turning down the volume on trauma

🌱 Redefining gratitude without guilt or toxic positivity

❤️ Advocacy for placenta accreta awareness and blood donation

🗣️ The power of self-advocacy in saving your own life

Key takeaway:

Surviving doesn’t mean you’re instantly okay. Healing after birth trauma often begins after the body is safe and you are allowed to feel grief, anger, and relief at the same time.

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.