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🍽️ Surprising evidence around eating during labor and other outdated practices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.

In this deeply emotional listener episode, Michelle bravely shares her story of pregnancy complications, medical trauma, and the heartbreaking loss of her son, Cody. Through her vulnerability, she offers connection, validation, and hope to anyone navigating grief after loss.

💛 The loneliness of trauma and the power of having a space to share your story

🤰 Repeatedly dismissed concerns, ongoing bleeding, and the emotional toll of not being heard during pregnancy

🏥 Navigating a complex military healthcare system and the impact of delayed care and lack of intervention

💔 Water breaking early, hospitalization, and the devastating realization that something was seriously wrong

👶 Michelle shares the story behind naming her son and the profound love she felt during his short but meaningful life

🕊️ The heartbreak of delivering Cody at 24 weeks and spending just a few precious hours with him

😭 Processing the pain of losing a baby and questioning whether her grief is “enough” after such a short time

🏠 The surreal and painful reality of leaving the hospital and navigating immediate grief

🧠 The layers of loss, difficult interactions, and moments that leave lasting emotional imprints

🤝 The impact of meaningful support vs. harmful platitudes like “at least you have other children”

💬 How allowing emotions—rather than suppressing them—became a key part of Michelle’s healing

❤️ Navigating loss within a marriage, including unspoken guilt and the importance of communication

👦 The often-overlooked impact of grief on children and the importance of checking in with them

🎂 Annual traditions like birthday cakes and family photos that keep Cody’s memory alive

🌱 Growth, ongoing grief, and the complexity of moving forward

✨ A powerful reminder that grief is messy, emotions are valid, and perfection is not the goal

If this episode resonated with you, know that your story and your grief matter too 💛

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 validating episode, Kayleigh is joined by Dr. James Jackson, an internationally recognized psychologist, neuropsychology specialist, and pioneer in post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Together, they explore the often-overlooked reality of medical trauma and what true healing can look like after surviving critical illness.

📖 His book Reclaiming Your Life from Medical Trauma offers a compassionate, practical guide to recognizing symptoms, finding effective treatment, and healing both brain and body. Visit his website HERE for more information and resources.

🧠 Why trauma after ICU stays, birth complications, or serious illness is incredibly common—and often unrecognized

💥 How survivors often draw a stark line between life before trauma and life after—and how healing reshapes that narrative

🧩 The impact on mental health, relationships, parenting, and family dynamics

😔 Why grieving your old life and identity is essential—and why it can’t be rushed or skipped

⏳ Letting go of the idea that more therapy or support can “speed up” recovery

🤝 The transformative power of support groups and being seen by others who truly understand

🌀 How vivid, distressing memories formed during critical illness can fuel long-term trauma symptoms

😶‍🌫️ The cultural silence around medical trauma—and the harmful belief that we should “just be grateful” to be alive

🙏 Making space for difficult emotions without shame or guilt

🧘 Learning to live a meaningful life even if some symptoms don’t fully go away

💬 Holding both joy and pain, trauma and growth, at the same time

Dr. James “Jim” Jackson is an internationally renowned expert on long Covid and its effects on cognitive and mental health functioning. A licensed psychologist specializing in neuropsychology and cognitive rehabilitation, he completed his psychology residency at the Veteran’s Affairs/Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Consortium while also receiving post-doctoral training in cognitive rehabilitation at the Oliver Zangwill Center in Ely, England. A pioneer in the investigation and treatment of Post–Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS),—a condition that impacts up to a third of survivors of critical illness—he is a research professor of Medicine and Psychiatry at Vanderbilt, where he is also the co-founder and director of Behavioral Health at the award-winning ICU Recovery Center, one of the first comprehensive clinical resources devoted to diagnosing and treating survivors of both mild and critical illness, including those who survived Covid-19.

There, Dr. Jackson consults with patients and their families from around the world. Additionally, he serves as the director of Long-Term Outcomes at the Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship (CIBS) Center, a consortium focused on advancing knowledge, education, and models of care for people affected by acute and longterm brain dysfunction following wide ranging illnesses (from mild to severe). He and his team created the first psychologist-led long Covid support groups in the United States early in the pandemic and continue to offer multiple groups every week.  

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 two best friends, Sam and Paige, whose lives became forever intertwined through shared birth trauma. What began as a friendship rooted in everyday life quickly transformed into something much deeper when both women experienced rare, life-threatening birth complications just months apart.

Together, they open up about the shock, grief, and confusion of their experiences, the parts they remember (and the parts they don’t), and the complex emotions that followed. Most importantly, they share what it means to have each other a person who truly gets it, in a space that can feel incredibly isolating.

This episode is a testament to the power of connection, validation, and being seen in your hardest moments. 💛

✨ In this episode, we cover:

🌿 The story of how Sam and Paige became friends and discovered they were pregnant at the same time
🧠 Paige’s sudden, life-threatening birth experience and the trauma of not remembering meeting her daughter
🚨 Sam’s unexpected emergency C-section and complications just months later
🩸 How rare and severe complications (like DIC) impacted both of their journeys
🌊 The emotional aftermath of birth trauma, including grief, jealousy, and confusion
🧩 What it feels like to not remember key moments and why that loss matters
🫶 The isolation of birth trauma and the healing power of having someone who truly understands
🗣️ Navigating support from others who may not fully “get it”
🛋️ The role of therapy and processing trauma with professional support
🌅 Finding meaning and connection through shared experience, including the beautiful tradition of “Live Day”

💛 This episode is for you if:

🌼 You’ve experienced birth trauma and felt alone in your story
🌀 You’re navigating complex emotions like grief, jealousy, or guilt postpartum
🔍 You wish others understood your experience more deeply
🤝 You’re a support person wanting to better understand what birth trauma can feel like
💫 You believe in the power of connection and shared healing

This conversation is raw, validating, and full of heart. You are not alone—and stories like these remind us just how powerful it is to be seen, heard, and understood. 💛

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 is speaking directly to providers, nurses, and healthcare workers about the real-life application of trauma-informed care. Moving beyond the buzzword, she breaks down how trauma shows up in healthcare settings, and more importantly, how communication can either help prevent or contribute to it.

This episode is packed with practical, easy-to-implement scripts and mindset shifts you can use immediately in patient interactions. From validating fears to navigating emergencies and repairing missteps, Kayleigh highlights how even the smallest moments of connection can have a lasting impact on patient outcomes.

Whether you’re a provider looking to deepen your approach or a patient wanting insight into what trauma-informed care should look like, this episode offers powerful, tangible takeaways.

✨ A mini episode for providers, nurses, and healthcare workers on trauma-informed communication
🧠 Why trauma-informed care is more than a buzzword—it’s a necessity for every patient
💬 Real, practical scripts: what to say (and what to avoid) in common patient scenarios
❤️ The power of validation—100% of community feedback emphasized feeling seen and acknowledged
🔍 Why trauma is subjective and not defined by the “severity” of the medical event
🏥 How small shifts (eye contact, body language, reading charts) can transform patient experiences
⚠️ The harm of “empty reassurance” and what to say instead when patients express fear
🙌 Asking for consent: giving patients autonomy in even the smallest moments
🚨 Communication during emergencies—how seconds of connection can reduce trauma
😔 Supporting patients through unexpected outcomes (like unplanned C-sections) with empathy
🔄 Repairing missteps: how owning mistakes can completely change a patient’s experience
📊 The long-term impact of validation vs. invalidation on postpartum healing and support-seeking
🌱 A reminder: your words matter—sometimes one moment stays with patients forever

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 Part 2 of Olivia’s story, we move beyond the resuscitation and into what so many survivors say is the hardest part, the aftermath. From ICU recovery to postpartum trauma, returning to work, and making the deeply personal decision to grow her family again, Olivia shares a raw and powerful look at life after surviving an amniotic fluid embolism.

This episode is a testament to grit, grief, and redefining what healing actually looks like.

✨ In this episode, we cover:

🩺 Life after survival, ICU recovery, dialysis, and the long road home
💔 The hidden trauma of the postpartum period after a near-death experience
🚫 Loss of autonomy, HIPAA violations, and navigating care as both patient + provider
🧠 PTSD triggers, panic attacks, and the reality of returning to work in healthcare
🤍 The role of support systems and showing up when it matters most
👶 Becoming a mother while still healing physically and emotionally
🤰 Choosing a subsequent pregnancy after AFE and facing judgment for it
🏥 A high-risk pregnancy with intense monitoring and a carefully crafted birth plan
⚠️ When the plan falls apart: an unexpected early delivery
🎀 Welcoming Rosie, and why a “healing birth” didn’t erase the trauma
📚 Starting a DNP program postpartum and turning pain into purpose
📊 Using lived experience to drive change in maternal healthcare

💡 Olivia also shares her powerful DNP project focused on improving emergency department response to maternal emergencies, bridging critical gaps in care and advocating for systemic change.

💭 Key Takeaway:
Healing after birth trauma isn’t linear, and it isn’t about “fixing” what happened. It’s about learning to carry both grief and hope, while continuing to write your story forward.

⚠️ Content Note:
This episode includes discussion of medical trauma, ICU stays, and life-threatening birth complications. Please listen with 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.

April is Cesarean Awareness Month, and we’re re-releasing this incredibly important conversation to spotlight the complexities, emotions, and real stories behind C-sections.

On this solo episode, Kayleigh is discussing all things c-section. She shares a few different studies highlighting the data on c-sections and PTSD, as well as how they compare to other modes of delivery. Kayleigh also touches on TOLACs and planned cesarean sections after birth trauma. 

In this episode:
- Types of C-Sections
- C-Section and birth trauma
- Communication and Support as mitigating factors
- Delivery decisions after birth trauma (TOLAC v. planned c-section)
- C-Sections under general anesthesia

Studies Discussed:

Garthus-Niegel S, von Soest T, Knoph C, Simonsen TB, Torgersen L, Eberhard-Gran M. The influence of women's preferences and actual mode of delivery on post-traumatic stress symptoms following childbirth: a population-based, longitudinal study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2014 Jun 5;14:191. doi: 10.1186/1471-2393-14-191. PMID: 24898436; PMCID: PMC4053555.

Orovou E, Iliadou M, Chatzopoulou MT, Dagla M, Eskitzis P, Rigas N, Antoniou E. The Relation between Birth with Cesarean Section and Posttraumatic Stress in Postpartum Women. Maedica (Bucur). 2023 Dec;18(4):615-622. doi: 10.26574/maedica.2023.18.4.615. PMID: 38348064; PMCID: PMC10859197.

Rowlands IJ, Redshaw M. Mode of birth and women's psychological and physical wellbeing in the postnatal period. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2012 Nov 28;12:138. doi: 10.1186/1471-2393-12-138. PMID: 23190575; PMCID: PMC3533875.

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.

Why This Episode Matters: C-sections are the most common major surgery performed on women, yet they’re often misunderstood and under-supported. Whether you're a birthing parent, a partner, a provider, or a friend—this episode offers insight and empathy that can shift how we talk about and hold space for C-section experiences.

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 today’s episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh is joined by Olivia, a nurse, Navy veteran, and fellow AFE survivor, who shares her powerful and truly unique birth story.

Olivia walks us through her experience of an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) during the birth of her son, Theo, including the unimaginable reality of being awake and aware during much of her own resuscitation. Her story is both medically complex and deeply human, highlighting the layers of trauma that can exist even when lives are ultimately saved.

This is Part 1 of Olivia’s story. 🤍

In this episode, we discuss:

✨ Olivia’s background as an ER nurse and Navy veteran
🌍 Deploying during COVID and the impact of repeated medical trauma exposure
🤰 A challenging pregnancy while working night shift and relocating alone
⚠️ Early warning signs like vision changes and rising blood pressure
🏥 Electing for induction at 39 weeks and questioning that decision afterward
🫁 The sudden onset of shortness of breath — a key symptom of AFE
🚨 Rapid deterioration and emergency C-section under intense circumstances
😳 Being awake and aware during her own medical emergency
🩸 Developing DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
🏥 Massive transfusion protocol and ongoing resuscitation efforts
⏳ A prolonged, 23-hour decline leading to ECMO
🫀 Understanding how AFE can present without full cardiac arrest
🫁 Being placed on VV ECMO for lung support
😨 Experiencing awareness while paralyzed in the ICU
👂 Hearing conversations, procedures, and care while unable to move
💬 The importance of how providers speak around patients — even when they appear sedated

Olivia’s story is a profound reminder that trauma is not just about survival — but about what is experienced during those life-threatening moments.

Her perspective as both a patient and a medical provider offers an incredibly rare and important lens into birth trauma, critical care, and the lasting impact of these experiences.

Be sure to tune in next week for Part 2, where Olivia shares her recovery, mental health journey, and what it was like to go on to have another baby after AFE — something rarely discussed. 🤍

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.