BROADCASTS.com

Today\u2019s episode carries a sensitivity notice for anyone currently processing a birth trauma. \nKayleigh Summers is a licensed therapist, writer, and content expert in perinatal trauma. Through sharing her lived experience as an amniotic fluid embolism survivor, Kayleigh supports families through perinatal trauma. She has created thriving support communities through Instagram and TikTok, and she uses her podcast, The Birth Trauma Mama, to provide connection, storytelling, and resources to support those experiencing birth and other types of trauma.\n\nShow Highlights:\n\nKayleigh\u2019s first pregnancy, which was typical until her routine appointment at 40 weeks and two days\n\nKayleigh\u2019s very long (three days!) induction process, which she doesn\u2019t remember\n\nThe reality of the feeling of impending doom\u2013and how it differs from anxiety or a panic attack\n\nHer heart stoppage, CPR, and the birth of her son while she was technically \u201cnot alive\u201d\n\nKayleigh\u2019s son, 10 lbs. 14 oz., had to be resuscitated at birth.\n\nDetails about amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) and possible risk factors\n\nThe profound hemorrhage that accompanies AFE (Kayleigh needed 143 units of blood products through her ordeal.)\n\nThe seriousness of Kayleigh\u2019s condition: another resuscitation, ECMO life support, an immediate hysterectomy, and an impeller (windmill-like device) to help her heart pump blood\n\nTrauma response, retrograde amnesia, and how our brains protect us\n\nThe sad, beautiful account of Kayleigh\u2019s first moments with her son (5 days after his birth)\n\nAdditional abdominal surgeries, a long ICU stay, and finally home after 14 days\n\nThe aftermath of Kayleigh\u2019s experience: her emotional and physical pain, not being able to mother her son, and the grief of knowing she would not bear another child\n\nTherapy support, talking about feelings, and an ongoing healing journey\n\nKayleigh\u2019s decision to help other people through perinatal trauma\n\nKayleigh\u2019s message to birth trauma survivors\n\n\nResources:\nConnect with Kayleigh Summers: Website, Instagram, and The Birth Trauma Mama podcast\nPlease find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be a better support in offering services.\xa0\nYou can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms\nVisit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.\xa0\xa0\nVisit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!