In this episode, we are diving deep into the way that trauma shows up in birth and in the perinatal period. We are discussing a lot of the complicated dynamics that exists when someone experiences trauma during their birth. This is something that impacts certainly birthing people, their families, and their other support. It also impacts those of us who work in birth.
Our guest today. Kayleigh Summers of The Birth Trauma Mama is a therapist and birth trauma survivor herself. As she shares parts of her story, her healing, her experiences, you will have your eyes opened to so much of the nuance that exists when we talk about trauma in birth.
Kayleigh explains how this plays out in the immediate postpartum period, and in the weeks, months and years that follow. We also have a very raw conversation about how we support. birth trauma in the hospital.
What are the things that those of us who are involved in birth care, particularly in the hospital setting, can do to be more aware of our practices? How can family and other loved ones actually provide support?
Listen in for more on:
~Recognizing that healing is non-linear
~The importance of open conversations acknowledging trauma
~Creating practices that support healing in the immediate postpartum period
~Why we need the human element instead of factory-run hospital care
~Fears around acknowledging trauma and litigation
~Myth busting around birth trauma and birth expectations
~Supportive language for birth trauma survivors
Learn more about Kayleigh in her guest profile!
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