Ep. 181: Perinatal PTSD and the Black Maternal Experience

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, I’m joined by Ashley Rainey, labor and delivery nurse, educator, clinical director, and PhD candidate, whose passion for improving birth outcomes for Black women is rooted in her own experiences at the bedside and in the system.Together, we dive into the heavy reality of navigating pregnancy while carrying the weight of maternal mortality statistics, the lasting emotional impact of both big and small traumas, and how we can build a healthcare system that actually meets people where they are, with dignity, awareness, and trauma-informed care.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:⚠️ How textbook myths and provider bias still shape patient care💔 The trauma of being dismissed, ignored, or stereotyped in labor🧠 Why emotional and relational trauma in birth can be just as damaging as physical trauma📚 Ashley’s research: centering Black voices in perinatal PTSD studies🔎 The urgent need for qualitative data on Black birthing experiences🛑 Why trauma is defined by the person, not the provider👩🏾‍⚕️ What it’s like to be the only Black nurse on the unit, and why that matters🩺 The power of nurse advocacy and how body language communicates care🧍🏽‍♀️ Advice for Black birthing people on choosing the right provider and asking the right questions🌱 How trauma gets passed down, and how we can stop itResources & Mentions:📖 Learn more about AIM bundles (Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health): saferbirth.org📚 Find postpartum mental health support: birthtraumamama.com/resources📱 Follow the conversation on Instagram: @birthtraumamamaGuest Bio: Ashley Rainey has a strong foundation in nursing; she developed a profound interest in perinatal care, focusing on maternal and neonatal health. This passion has guided her professional journey and led her to her current prestigious position as a perinatal Clinical Director. In her role, Ms. Rainey is responsible for advancing clinical practice standards across the commission, striving to enhance the quality of care provided to mothers and infants. She collaborates closely with a network of delivery facilities, offering support and resources to ensure that each facility meets the highest standards of care. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to improving health outcomes for women and children, advocating for evidence-based practices and innovative care models. Ms. Rainey's dedication to nursing is further exemplified by her membership in the esteemed Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, which recognizes her academic and professional excellence. In addition, she is an alumna of the 2019 Maternal-Child Nursing Leadership Academy cohort, an intensive program designed to cultivate leadership skills among nurses in maternal and child health. She is actively engaged in the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), participating nationally and locally. Ms. Rainey is pursuing a Ph.D. in Nursing Research at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Outside of her professional life, Ms. Rainey cherishes her role as a devoted wife and mother to three daughters. She balances her demanding career with her commitment to her family.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.