In this deeply emotional and powerful listener episode, Kayleigh is joined by sisters identical twin sisters Alison and Holly, whose journeys through pregnancy, birth trauma, medical trauma, and survival became heartbreakingly intertwined. Both clinical psychologists, both high-achieving perfectionists, and both navigating pregnancy at the same time, neither could have imagined the life-altering experiences ahead of them.

From severe pregnancy complications and traumatic medical experiences to a devastating accident involving Holly while pregnant with twins, this conversation explores the profound impact trauma can have not only on individuals—but on families navigating it together.

Through vulnerability, honesty, and immense strength, Alison and Holly share what it meant to survive the unimaginable while also supporting one another as sisters, twins, clinicians, and mothers.

This episode is raw, validating, heartbreaking, and ultimately full of hope and resilience. 💛

✨ In this episode, we cover:

🧬 Alison’s journey through pregnancy after stage four endometriosis, prior loss, and previous medical trauma
🌨️ Going into early labor at 28 weeks during a Seattle snowstorm and experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction
🚑 What it felt like to be coded during pregnancy—and the unexpected sense of safety Alison experienced in that moment
👯 Holly finding out she was unexpectedly pregnant with twins while watching her sister navigate a high-risk pregnancy
📚 The pressure of trying to have the “perfect” healthy pregnancy and how trauma disrupted those expectations
🏥 Alison’s traumatic birth experience, severe hemorrhage, postpartum complications, and prolonged hospitalization
💔 The emotional toll of postpartum PTSD, dissociation, flashbacks, and medical gaslighting
🫶 The profound impact one compassionate provider had during Alison’s darkest moments
🚗 Holly’s terrifying hit-and-run accident at nearly 30 weeks pregnant with twins
🌤️ The surreal details trauma imprints on memory—and the moments both sisters still vividly remember
🧠 How their experiences transformed the way they understand trauma both personally and professionally as psychologists
🌱 The complicated process of healing while navigating motherhood, survival, and family trauma together
💞 The unique bond of sisters walking through trauma side by side and what it meant to not feel alone

💛 This episode is for you if:

🌼 You’ve experienced birth trauma, medical trauma, or a traumatic pregnancy
🌀 You’ve struggled with postpartum PTSD, anxiety, dissociation, or flashbacks
🤍 You’re processing grief around how your pregnancy or birth experience unfolded
🪞 You’ve felt pressure to “do everything right” during pregnancy and still experienced trauma
👭 You understand the healing power of having someone who truly sees and validates your experience
✨ You want to feel less alone in the complexities of trauma and recovery

You can follow along with the Alison and Holly on their socials: @Alison.phd & @holly.phd

Alison's website: alisonphd.com

Holly's website: hollyphd.com

Take a listen to Alison & Holly's podcast: Twin Minds Unwind Podcast

This conversation is a reminder that trauma can change us deeply—but so can compassion, connection, and being witnessed in our pain. Alison and Holly’s story is one of survival, sisterhood, and finding ways to keep moving forward even after life changes in an instant. 💛

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.

On this week's episode, we are doing a special rerelease! We are talking all things medical records and debriefs.

On this episode you will hear:
- understanding medical records
- process of requesting medical records
- the importance of debriefs
- empowering patients through effective communication

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.

In this episode, Jessica shares the unimaginable journey of becoming a first-time mom to twin boys while surviving a rare and life-threatening postpartum medical complication after a wet tap during her epidural. From seizures and brain bleeds to time in the neuro ICU and separation from her newborns, Jessica vulnerably opens up about trauma, healing, advocacy, and ultimately finding hope through a healing birth experience with her third baby.

💛 The emotional rollercoaster of conceiving twins after fertility struggles and navigating a high-risk pregnancy

🤰 Severe pregnancy sickness, extra monitoring, and transferring care to a larger hospital for delivery

🏥 The frustration and stress of a delayed induction two hours away from home

💉 A traumatic epidural experience involving a “wet tap” and complications that quickly escalated after delivery

⚠️ The terrifying onset of neurological symptoms, grand mal seizures, and discovering multiple subdural hematomas after birth

🧠 How spinal fluid loss after the epidural led to brain sagging, bleeding, ICU admission, and a long neurological recovery

👶 The heartbreak of being separated from her newborn twin boys during her postpartum hospitalization

😭 Navigating postpartum trauma while coping with seizures, medication side effects, fear, anger, and loss of independence

🚗 Losing her driver’s license for six months after seizures and the emotional toll of repeated hospital admissions

📚 The complicated emotions that surfaced when the hospital requested to publish her rare medical case

🫶 The life-changing support of birth trauma therapy, mental health medication, and an incredibly supportive family

🌤️ How time, therapy, community, and answers slowly helped her begin to feel like herself again

🎙️ The impact the Birth Trauma Mama community and Safe Partum anesthesia episode had on her healing journey

✨ Choosing to pursue another pregnancy after trauma and preparing differently for a subsequent birth

🏥 Experiencing a deeply healing repeat C-section at a new hospital with a compassionate care team

💚 Jessica’s message of hope for other birth trauma survivors considering future pregnancies and births

🤍 A reminder that healing is possible, support matters, and you are never alone in your birth trauma journey

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.

In this insightful episode, Kayleigh sits down with therapist and perinatal mental health expert Hilary Waller to explore the nuanced overlap between perinatal OCD, trauma, and EMDR. Hilary shares her journey into this work, her passion for supporting parents through medical trauma and loss, and how EMDR can help address the nervous system responses underneath intrusive thoughts and anxiety.

💛 Why intrusive thoughts in the perinatal period are far more common than most parents realize

🧠 The difference between generalized postpartum anxiety and the more “hyper-focused” presentation of perinatal OCD

⚠️ How birth trauma, NICU experiences, medical complications, and loss can create the perfect storm for OCD symptoms to emerge

🔄 The connection between trauma, uncertainty, and compulsive behaviors

🩺 Why health anxiety after perinatal trauma often has a strong OCD component

🌊 How EMDR helps target the nervous system response beneath intrusive thoughts and compulsions

📚 Why psychoeducation can be one of the most healing parts of therapy

👶 The importance of distinguishing between “normal new parent worries” and symptoms of trauma or OCD

✨ The power of reducing shame and helping parents understand: “These are symptoms, not who you are.”

🤍 Why finding a therapist trained in perinatal mental health can make such a profound difference in recovery

Whether you’re a parent navigating intrusive thoughts, a clinician supporting trauma survivors, or someone wanting to better understand the overlap between OCD and birth trauma, this episode offers compassionate, validating, and deeply practical insight.

Resources Mentioned:
🎧 Birth Trauma Mama Episodes:
• Episode 32 — OCD in the Perinatal Period
• Episode 119 — OCD and Intrusive Thoughts
• Episode 15 with Dr. Priya Alpern — EMDR Basics

📖 Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts
📖 Perinatal EMDR chapter featuring Hilary Waller and Dr. Amber Penn

💻 Learn more about Postpartum Support International: Postpartum Support International

Guest Bio:
Hilary is a psychotherapist specializing in reproductive and parental mental health and treatment of related disorders. After earning dual Bachelor’s degrees at Columbia University and The Jewish Theological Seminary, Hilary worked with adolescents in both formal and informal educational settings. This experience piqued her interest in parent-child relationships and led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialty in marriage and family therapy. 

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.

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.

In this mini episode, Kayleigh opens up about the often unexpected and deeply layered experience of Mother’s Day after birth trauma. She offers validation, normalization, and gentle guidance for navigating a day that can feel both meaningful and incredibly heavy.

💐 The many layers of Mother’s Day grief, including loss, infertility, complicated relationships, and birth trauma

🤍 Why Mother’s Day can feel surprisingly triggering, even when your child is here and you “expected” to feel only joy

🌊 How birth trauma reshapes your entrance into motherhood, and why that can surface so strongly on Mother’s Day

📱 The emotional impact of social media, highlight reels, and constant reminders of “what it should have looked like”

💭 Holding conflicting emotions at once: wanting to celebrate while also feeling sadness, grief, or heaviness

🗣️ The importance of communicating your needs with partners and loved ones, whatever they may be

🧠 Creating space for your feelings and honoring your experience without judgment

🌱 Finding moments of healing and connection alongside grief as your motherhood journey evolves

💛 Honoring your path into motherhood and everything you’ve endured to be here today

This episode is a gentle reminder that there is no “right” way to feel on Mother’s Day after birth trauma. Whether you celebrate, grieve, avoid, or simply get through the day, you are allowed to do what feels best for you.

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.

In this episode, Megan shares her journey through recurrent pregnancy loss, chronic illness, medical trauma, and a life-threatening birth experience that led to her son’s premature arrival. Her story sheds light on the complexities of pregnancy after loss, the realities of navigating the healthcare system with chronic conditions, and the lasting impact of birth trauma and a NICU stay.

💔 Recurrent pregnancy loss and the emotional toll of experiencing multiple miscarriages while searching for answers

🧬 Navigating fertility challenges, including diagnoses of lupus, Factor V Leiden, and stage 4 endometriosis after years of dismissed symptoms

🏥 The frustration and harm of not being taken seriously in the medical system—and the impact of delayed diagnoses

🌈 Turning to IVF after loss and holding onto hope while navigating pregnancy after trauma

🤍 The reality of pregnancy after loss—living in survival mode, dissociation, and the fear of not bringing a baby home

🦠 A sudden and severe decline at 30 weeks pregnant, leading to a diagnosis of sepsis and ICU admission

😨 The terror of not being able to breathe, rapid health deterioration, and facing the possibility of intubation while pregnant

👩‍⚕️ The life-saving importance of provider advocacy and finally being heard during a critical medical emergency

👶 Premature rupture of membranes and delivering a baby at 30 weeks after days of labor and medical complications

⚠️ A traumatic labor and delivery experience, including unmanaged pain, a failed epidural, and lack of compassionate care

🍼 A two-month NICU stay and the heartbreak of going home without your baby while navigating postpartum recovery

🧠 The lasting impact of birth trauma—how it shapes identity, parenting, anxiety, and the postpartum experience

🤝 Finding healing through community, shared stories, and validation after trauma

💬 The power of vulnerability and why sharing our stories matters in breaking isolation and creating connection

Megan’s story is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the importance of being seen, heard, and supported. If her story resonates with you, know that you are not alone and that your experiences and feelings are valid. 💛

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.

In this informative episode, Kayleigh sits down with OB-GYN and author Dr. Jennifer Lincoln to break down what pregnant people actually need to know about birth. From navigating medical decisions to unpacking misinformation online, this conversation is packed with insight, nuance, and practical tools to help you feel more confident and informed heading into your birth experience.

💛 Why feeling informed—not overwhelmed—is key to reducing trauma in birth experiences
📖 The inspiration behind Dr. Lincoln’s birth book and why it focuses solely on the delivery process
❓ How structuring information as real-life questions makes learning about birth more accessible and less intimidating
🧠 The importance of respecting patient intelligence with detailed, evidence-based information 

🗣️ Why many people don’t realize they can advocate for themselves—and how to start doing it
📋 The power of checklists and knowing your options, even if you don’t have access to every resource
🏥 What to ask your care team about emergencies, protocols, and available support

⚖️ A nuanced conversation about birth choices—including hospital vs. home birth
🏡 How Dr. Lincoln’s perspective on home birth evolved through experience and data
🌍 What other countries do differently when it comes to integrated maternity care
🔥 The real issue behind polarization in the birth world—and why it helps no one

💥 Breaking down common birth complications without fear-mongering
🩸 How the book approaches topics like hemorrhage, C-sections, and interventions
😰 What to do when anxiety spikes after seeing scary birth content online
🛠️ Why asking “what’s your protocol?” can be more reassuring than hearing “that won’t happen”

📱 The impact of social media on pregnancy and birth expectations
🚫 The danger of absolute statements like “interventions are always bad”

💬 The most misunderstood part of labor and delivery: you have the right to ask questions
🚩 Why feeling dismissed is a red flag—and how to advocate for better care
🍽️ Surprising evidence around eating during labor and other outdated practices
👀 “Insider tips” from Dr. Lincoln on navigating the hospital experience

🛑 You deserve respect, informed consent, and compassionate care—every time

This episode is a must-listen for anyone preparing for birth after trauma, entering their first pregnancy, or simply wanting to better understand their options in a system that doesn’t always make it easy.

You can find a copy of her book "The Birth Book" and other resources by visiting her website HERE!

Guest Bio:

Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is an OBGYN, author, and social media educator. She is the Executive Director of Mayday Health, a health education non-profit that spreads awareness of abortion pills in all 50 states. She is also the co-founder of Obstetricians for Reproductive Justice and the founder of Three for Freedom, a website that serves as a hub to help people take control of their reproductive futures in all 50 states.

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.

In this powerful Listener Series episode, Kayleigh sits down with Leah to share her story of giving birth during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating a traumatic delivery, and enduring years of unexplained postpartum pain before finally being diagnosed with severe endometriosis. Leah opens up about medical dismissal, complex trauma, subsequent pregnancies, and the ongoing journey of healing, both physically and emotionally. This episode is a raw and honest look at what happens when trauma isn’t just one moment, but a series of experiences over time.

In this episode, we talk about:

🦠 Being pregnant and giving birth during the early days of the pandemic
🏥 Infection, induction, and an emergency C-section after a long labor
😔 Feeling dismissed, like a burden, and afraid to speak up to providers
🩸 Ongoing, severe postpartum pain that was repeatedly minimized
🧑‍⚕️ Seeing multiple doctors and being told everything was “normal”
🧠 Questioning your reality and wondering if it’s “all in your head”
🔍 Finally being diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis and interstitial cystitis
💥 The emotional impact of delayed diagnosis and medical gaslighting
😞 Postpartum PTSD and how trauma symptoms showed up over time
🤰 An unexpected second pregnancy and navigating intense triggers
✨ A redemptive birth experience and what felt different the second time
🩸 A third birth complicated by hemorrhage and retraumatization
🌊 Complex trauma vs. a single traumatic event
💔 The impact of trauma on friendships, identity, and support systems
🫶 Finding healing through EMDR, therapy, writing, and supportive relationships

Why this episode matters:

✨ Trauma can be layered, ongoing, and complex
✨ Being dismissed in medical spaces can deepen trauma
✨ You are not “crazy” for knowing something is wrong in your body
✨ Healing isn’t linear—and it can coexist with ongoing challenges

If you’ve ever felt unheard, dismissed, or alone in your postpartum or chronic illness journey, this episode is for you. Your experience is real and you deserve answers, support, and care. 🤍

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.

In this episode, Kayleigh breaks down a widely discussed episode of The Pit—exploring both the medical accuracy and the emotional impact it’s had on the birth trauma community. Through a nuanced and honest lens, she unpacks what the show got right, what it missed, and why these portrayals matter so deeply.

🎬 The viral episode that sparked major conversation across both medical and patient communities

💔 Kayleigh’s personal connection and why this storyline felt especially close to home

🗣️ The wide range of reactions—from praise to strong criticism—and why both can be valid

🏥 Whether this patient would realistically be treated in the ER vs. going straight to OB/L&D

👩‍⚕️ The absence of OB, MFM, and NICU teams—and why that raised concerns about accuracy

⏱️ A breakdown of maternal cardiac arrest and the urgency behind real-life response protocols

🩺 Understanding a resuscitative hysterotomy and why it’s performed to save the mother’s life

👏 Key educational moments the show got right, including left uterine displacement and the 4–5 minute rule

✂️ The decision to use a vertical (midline) incision and how that compares to real-world practice

⚠️ HELLP syndrome representation and the frustration from survivors around how it was portrayed

🧠 The role of misinformation and how fear of medical care can impact patient outcomes

⚖️ The tension between medical providers and patients who feel distrust toward the healthcare system

🤝 The importance of trauma-informed care—and how even 20 seconds of empathy can change everything

💬 Why compassion and curiosity should come before correction, even in high-stress medical situations

📺 The value of showing birth trauma in media, with nods to Grey's Anatomy and Fleishman Is in Trouble for their emotional storytelling

🌱 A reminder that these conversations are complex, layered, and necessary for improving care

✨ Not a perfect portrayal but an important one that opens the door for awareness and dialogue

If this episode resonated with you, your thoughts and experiences are valid and you’re not alone in how you felt watching 💛

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.