In this episode of Holy Labor, we’re shifting perspectives to focus on the often-overlooked experience of dads during birth trauma. My husband joins me to share his raw and honest story of witnessing my emergency surgery and making the impossible choice between staying with me in the OR or following our son to the NICU.

We explore the unique challenges fathers face in these moments—the weight of helplessness, the emotional toll of watching a loved one suffer, and the struggle to find ways to help. Together, we discuss the psychological impact of witnessing trauma, the loneliness men often feel in times of crisis, and the healing power of finding support through connection, like my husband’s transformative experience in a men’s processing group.

This episode is for the dads who feel unseen in their worry, the families navigating trauma together, and anyone seeking to understand the quiet strength it takes to support a partner through the hardest days.

Featuring statistics on PTSD and depression in fathers after childbirth trauma, insights on gender roles in emotional processing, and a closing blessing for those carrying heavy burdens, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and reminded of God’s sustaining grace.

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Dr. Rachelle Keng

Christa Hardin

What do you say to a friend who’s struggling after a traumatic experience, especially when you feel like you have no words? In this episode of Holy Labor, we’re talking about the messy, awkward, and often silent spaces that come with supporting someone after trauma. From navigating difficult conversations to recognizing the power of presence, we explore practical ways to show up for friends during hard seasons—especially in the wake of birth trauma or postpartum struggles.

You’ll hear personal stories, lessons from scripture, and advice from experts, including how the five love languages can guide us in offering meaningful support. Whether you're walking through trauma yourself or wondering how to care for someone you love, this episode offers insight, hope, and healing.

Tune in to learn how to embrace the ministry of presence and build deeper connections, even when words fail.

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Christa Hardin

Rachel Elmore

Hannah Hughes

In this heartfelt episode of Holy Labor, we dive into the complexities of maternal mental health, covering everything from the "baby blues" to postpartum depression (PPD) and beyond. I share my personal journey with a PPD diagnosis, exploring how it impacted my identity and my faith.

Joined by Dr. Rachelle Keng—author of Woven in the Womb, Rachel Elmore—author of A Mom Is Born, and counselor and trauma survivor Christa Hardin, we discuss how to recognize symptoms, develop a compassionate plan for healing, and find hope within the struggle.

This episode is a safe space for mothers and those who support them, offering faith-centered insights on navigating the emotional and spiritual shifts of motherhood.

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Dr. Rachelle Keng

Christa Hardin

Rachel Elmore

Strong Like Water by Aundi Kolber

In this episode of Holy Labor, we explore the complex nature of faith and miracles.

Sometimes, God’s miracles don’t look the way we expect. I share more of the story of my son’s birth—an emergency C-section and NICU stay that was far from the miracle I imagined, but one that saved our lives.

Joined by a Christian counselor and a fellow trauma survivor, we dive into the difficult emotions surrounding spiritual bypassing, the dark night of the soul, and how Emotionally Healthy Spirituality can guide us through life’s hardest moments. Together, we uncover the beauty of God’s unexpected gifts in our trauma journeys.

This episode offers hope for anyone wrestling with faith, doubt, and the mystery of divine miracles. Listen in for a heartfelt, real conversation on faith after trauma.

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Rachel Elmore

Hannah Hughes

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

Spiritual Bypassing Definition

In this episode of Holy Labor, we dive into the complex emotions around body image, childbirth, and faith. I’m joined by a Christian OBGYN and Christian counselors who are all also trauma survivors to discuss what happens when the message that “your body was made for birth” doesn’t align with reality. I share my personal story of expecting a natural birth but instead facing an emergency C-section—and the shame that followed. Together, we explore how faith, trauma, and healing intersect, offering hope for moms who feel like their bodies let them down. Whether you're navigating birth trauma, struggling with body image, or seeking a compassionate, faith-based perspective, this episode is for you.

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Threshold (my free weekly newsletter)

Dr. Rachelle Keng

Rachel Elmore

Christa Hardin

Welcome to the very first episode of Holy Labor!

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In this one, I’m opening up a bit about my own story and talking through things like optimism bias, naming trauma, and how radical acceptance can lead to real healing.

You’ll also meet some incredible guests, all of whom are not only experts in their fields but also trauma survivors themselves. We’ve got a Christian OBGYN, Christian therapists specializing in postpartum and trauma, and another fellow podcaster who’s bravely sharing her birth trauma journey.

If you’ve ever felt alone in your motherhood story, you’re definitely in the right place. We’re here to have honest, real conversations—no sugarcoating, just hope and healing.

I’d love for you to listen, share it with a friend, and let’s start breaking the silence together.

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Links:

Dr. Rachelle Keng

Christa Hardin

Rachel Elmore

Hannah Hughes

Strong Like Water by Aundi Kolber

Radical Acceptance Definition

Optimism Bias Definition

National Library of Medicine Birth Trauma Study