In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, I sit down with a Victoria, a midwife in the UK, to explore the complexities of c-section recovery. C-sections are major surgeries, yet so many pergnant people feel unprepared, unsupported, and unheard during recovery.  Vic expertly navigates these conversations while bringing a trauma-informed perspective to C-section recovery and postpartum healing.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What true C-section recovery looks like (spoiler: it’s more than just physical healing!) 
• How providers can better support postpartum patients post-op 
• The emotional side of unexpected or traumatic C-sections 
• Ways to advocate for yourself before, during, and after surgery

Resources:

• C Section Walkthrough Audio (link available soon)
• csectionuk.com
• Follow csectionuk on instagram: @csectionuk

Guest Bio:

With over a decade of experience as a Midwife, and educator and now leading the award winning C-sectionUK, It would be fair to say that Midwife Vic is pretty passionate about helping women achieve the birth that is right for them, and on their terms. Vic’s 130,000 strong social following, has been testament to the huge interest and need that women have for comprehensive, professional-led information for their c-section journeys. 

“Whilst the conversation around the increasing rates of c-section births goes on ( which is important) , women are being left feeling unsure what their options are for c-section birth and importantly, how to recover. I really wanted to remove some of that fear, and validate and support c-section parents when they needed it most. There really are very practical, tangible things that will change everything for c-section parents - so we started talking about it! Before we knew it, we created a movement that is now reaching women across the globe” 

While Midwife Vic dedicates most of her time to raising awareness for c-section care and education, she also works closely with programmes such as the World Health Organisation’s Fides programme challenging medical misinformation online, and sits on the advisory board for The Practicing Midwife. She continues to work clinically in the public sector periodically, but much of her clinical practice is now dedicated to working with clients privately, and through teaching digitally. Vic also works with pregnancy and birth brands, consulting on campaigns as well as creating content that aligns with her values.

Her mantra is knowledge is power, and she is determined to empower as many women as she can.

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 and deeply personal episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, I sit down with Jenna, an ICU nurse and fellow Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) survivor. Jenna shares her harrowing birth experience, the life-saving interventions she received, and the long road to recovery.

We discuss:
💔 The shocking moment Jenna realized something was very wrong after birth
🚨 Her rapid decline  & emergency medical response
🩸 Being diagnosed with AFE, intubated, and placed on ECMO
🦵 The unexpected vascular complications & multiple surgeries that followed
💜 How Jenna navigated postpartum, physical recovery & mental health struggles
🏃‍♀️ The incredible progress she’s made, learning to walk again & reclaim her life

Jenna’s journey is unimaginable, yet she speaks with raw honesty, resilience, and even humor. This episode is a must-listen for anyone impacted by birth trauma, critical illness, or navigating life after a near-death experience.

Resources Mentioned:
🌐 AFE Foundation & Support Resources
📚 Free CEU Course for Healthcare Providers on AFE Management
📑 AFE Survivor & Family Support Guides

Jenna’s story is a testament to the strength of survivors and the importance of raising AFE awareness.

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.

March 27th marks Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) Awareness Day, a time to honor the lives affected by this rare but life-threatening complication. In this special episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, we take a deep dive into what AFE is, how it happens, and what can be done to improve survival rates.

In this episode, we discuss:
🩸 What is AFE? Understanding this sudden and unpredictable complication
⚕️ Symptoms & Diagnosis: How AFE presents and why it’s difficult to diagnose
🚨 Emergency Response & Treatment: The critical importance of rapid medical intervention
📉 Risk Factors & Research Gaps: What we know (and don’t know) about AFE prevention
💜 Support for Survivors & Families: Resources for those impacted

AFE is rare—affecting about 1 in 40,000 births—but its impact is devastating. The best way to save lives is through awareness, preparedness, and research funding.

Resources Mentioned:
🌐 AFE Foundation & Support Resources
📚 Free CEU Course for Healthcare Providers on AFE Management
📑 Simulation Toolkit & Emergency Guides for Medical Teams
📞 24/7 AFE Hotline for Medical Teams Managing Suspected Cases

AFE survivors, grieving families, and medical professionals—this episode is for you. Let’s continue to raise awareness and push for better understanding, treatment, and support.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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, Courtney shares her deeply personal journey through birth trauma, miscarriage, and healing. From navigating unexpected medical challenges to advocating for herself in the face of systemic failures, her story is one of resilience, grief, and ultimately, self-discovery.

On this episode, you will hear:
💔 Facing childbirth with a history of trauma & medical anxiety
💔 The emotional toll of low platelets & losing control over pain management
💔 A traumatic induction experience & feeling unheard by medical providers
💔 The devastating experience of miscarriage & lack of support
💔 Giving birth alone during COVID & the lasting impact of isolation
💜 The long-term effects on mental health, marriage, and self-identity
💜 Finding healing through therapy, new passions, and self-exploration

Courtney’s journey reminds us that birth trauma is not just about what happens physically, it’s about how we are treated, heard (or not), and supported in our most vulnerable moments.

Resources Mentioned:

• Postpartum Support International (PSI)
• EMDR & Trauma Therapy Information
• Ep. 2: Birth Trauma, the Brain, & How We Heal

💜 If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. 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.

Searching for a therapist after experiencing birth or perinatal trauma can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. In this special mini-series episode, we break down exactly how to find a therapist who is trained in both perinatal mental health and trauma, so you can get the support you deserve.

In this episode, we cover:
🔹 The best qualifications & trainings to look for in a therapist
🔹 Why both perinatal mental health & trauma training matter
🔹 Where to search for a specialized therapist (PSI, Touchstone, & more)
🔹 What questions to ask in a free consultation
🔹 How to tell if a therapist is the right fit for you

We also touch on realistic options if you don’t have access to a highly specialized provider, because at the end of the day, a strong therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in healing.

Resources Mentioned:

• Postpartum Support International (PSI) Directory
• Touchstone Institute Therapist Directory
• Ep. 134: When Therapists Cause Harm

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.

A special and highly requested rerelease - 

Dr. Vibha Mahendra, a board-certified Obstetric Anesthesiologist, joins me on this episode to discuss anesthesia options during labor and delivery and why they are sometimes ineffective, potentially leading to trauma for the patient. Dr. M also provides insight into how providers can problem-solve these pain relief issues and communicate with patients in a way that mitigates trauma. This was such an insightful conversation and I think does a great job educating the patient in a way that puts them in a better position to advocate or communicate with their support people to advocate for pain relief. 

On this episode, you will hear:

-What is OB Anesthesia?
-What’s in an epidural?
-Differences between a spinal block and an epidural
- Why are some epidurals ineffective?
- What happens when there is an ineffective spinal during a c-section?
- The decision to convert to general anesthesia and why some doctors delay
- Is it necessary to be restrained during c-section?

Guest Bio:

Vibha Mahendra, MD is a board-certified Obstetric Anesthesiologist, public health advocate, educator, and founder of SafePartum. Dr. Mahendra is passionate about improving maternal care by directly engaging and empowering all healthcare providers who care for pregnant patients, in a way that aligns with their practice environment and profession. Her professional interests span all of high-risk pregnancy, but she especially loves Obstetric Critical Care and Cardio-Obstetrics! 

Visit https://www.safepartum.com/academy for more resources on the management of high-risk conditions in pregnancy, labor & delivery, and postpartum.

Safe Partum also has an upcoming OB Critical Care &  Emergencies Course!
Here is a link to the registration page to learn more about and sign up for this incredible course coming in September.  https://fun-acorn-864.myflodesk.com/

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 deeply moving episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Joni shares her raw and powerful birth story—one filled with unexpected turns, systemic failures, and unimaginable strength. From an intense labor experience to a traumatic C-section where she felt the surgery, Joni walks us through the emotional and physical aftermath of her birth and the complex journey of processing trauma while embracing new motherhood.

On this episode, you will hear:
💜 The impact of unplanned and traumatic C-sections
💜 What happens when medical records fail to reflect a patient’s reality
💜 How systemic hospital failures affect birth trauma survivors
💜 The emotional weight of meeting your baby after birth trauma
💜 The power of reframing and finding support in recovery

Joni’s vulnerability and insight remind us that birth trauma is real, valid, and worthy of compassionate conversation. If you’ve experienced anything similar, you are not alone.

Resources & Support:

• Episode on Pain Management in Birth with Dr. Vidhya Mahendra
• Connect with birth trauma specialists & support communities
• More episodes & resources at thebirthtraumamama.com

If this episode resonates with you, please leave a review and share it with someone who might need to hear it. 💜

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 welcome Marlie Willer, an experienced trial lawyer whose practice focuses on civil litigation with an emphasis on obstetrical negligence and maternal health rights. She recognizes the gaps between the injuries suffered by mother and babies and the limited legal options available to them. Marlie discusses with us in detail what it means to decide to pursue litigation after birth trauma and birth injury. There is so much to learn in this episode and Marlie and her expertise is so incredibly helpful and validating.

On this episode, you will hear:

- Marlie's journey into law and her speciality

- importance of advocacy in birth injury law

- client intake process

- navigating the legal process in birth injury law

- assessing cases: factors and challenges

- determining liability and causation

- understanding causation in medical negligence

- the fear of frivolous lawsuits

- the impact of administrative policies on care

- systemic failures in medical negligence

- common themes in birth injury cases

- the nuances of medical records

- deciding to pursue legal actions

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 welcome Kris to share her story. Kris offers us a unique perspective of experiencing generational birth trauma. Kris' mother passed away at 3 days old, and she shares with us her own birth trauma with her second pregnancy with her son Logan - who is now 23. After years of healing and putting in the work for it, Kris shares about what it is like to be 20+ years removed from your birth trauma and how important it is to speak out your trauma and not be small in your story. We hope this episode gives hope to you wherever you are in your healing journey.

On this episode, you will hear:

- generational birth trauma

- placenta previa

- emergency birth while husband was deployed and navigating military base rules

- preeclampsia at 28 weeks, edema and transfusions

- 3 month NICU stay with necrotizing enterocolitis, 9 neonatal surgeries and a hospital transfer

- processing trauma even if it is many years later

- trauma impacting more than just the birth parents and child

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.

This week, we are releasing a new mini series episode. We are breaking down a little how-to for preparing for medical appointments after birth trauma. There is a possibility of so much activation, fear, and anxiety in medical appointments after you have experienced birth trauma, so I am going to talk you through it and break down a long-term prep for a medical appointment, what that can look like and what the before, during and after process is. If medical appointments after birth trauma is a challenging thing to navigate, remember you aren't alone in it and you can give yourself self-compassion as you are in your healing journey.

On this episode, you will hear:

- preparing for medical appointments after birth trauma

- coping strategies for medical appointments

- post-appointment reflection and self-compassion

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.