In this episode, Kayleigh sits down with Katherine to hold space for the layers of trauma that can exist alongside stillbirth and loss. Katherine shares the story of her son Brody, the life-threatening complications she experienced after his birth, and the continued trauma that unfolded in her pregnancy and delivery with her living child.

Through her unfiltered honesty, Katherine sheds light on the often-overlooked realities of birth trauma within the loss community, and reminds us that grief and trauma can coexist in complex, valid ways.

💔 The devastating experience of stillbirth and the shock of losing a baby after a low-risk pregnancy

🏥 A near-death postpartum emergency, including DIC, massive blood loss, and emergency surgery

🧠 Why stillbirth is not only grief, but also a deeply traumatic physical and psychological experience

⚖️ The tension between focusing on the baby’s loss while minimizing the mother’s trauma

💭 Survivor’s guilt, mortality awareness, and the emotional complexity of “staying” after almost dying

🌊 Pregnancy after loss and the intense fear, hypervigilance, and retraumatization that can come with it

🚨 A second traumatic birth experience, including an emergency C-section and NICU stay

😔 The pressure to feel “grateful” for a living baby while silently carrying unresolved trauma

🧩 How trauma can resurface years later, physically, mentally, and emotionally

💊 Seeking support through therapy, medication, and alternative treatments like ketamine therapy

🧘‍♀️ Learning to listen to your body, honor your limits, and move away from “pushing through”

🗣️ The importance of acknowledging your trauma, even when others center the baby’s story

🤍 Giving yourself permission to not be okay, to need help, and to heal in your own way and timeline

📚 Resources Katherine shares:
• Her website: KatherineLazar.com
• Podcast: At a Total Loss
• Private community: LossLink
• Book: Stillbirth Survival Guide (releasing May 7)

This episode is a reminder that you can hold grief, trauma, love, and survival all at once—and that your experience matters. You are not alone.

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.