Ep. 203: “I Thought I Was Here to Help”: Healing the Helpers in Birth Work

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Maggie Runyon, nurse educator, author, and co-creator of the Trauma-Informed Birth Nurse Program, for an insightful and heartfelt conversation about what it means to care — and to keep caring — in a system that so often asks too much of its helpers.Maggie’s new book, I Thought I Was Here to Help, explores the emotional and professional identity of nurses and other healthcare providers, unpacking how the “helper” mindset — while rooted in empathy and purpose — can also lead to burnout, moral distress, and trauma when left unchecked.Together, Kayleigh and Maggie explore how the same drive that brings so many clinicians to this work can, without boundaries and reflection, begin to harm them — and how shifting from a hero or handmaiden mindset to one of advocacy can create space for more sustainable, compassionate care.They also dive into:💜 The “helper identity” in nursing — and how it can blur the line between care and self-sacrifice🩺 Why trauma-informed care must include both patients and providers🌱 How self-regulation and connection protect against burnout👩‍⚕️ The power of sitting down, slowing down, and listening as acts of advocacy🧠 The Trauma-Informed Birth Nurse Program and how it’s changing unit culture📚 Maggie’s book I Thought I Was Here to Help — and why she believes reflection, not perfection, is the key to healingThis episode is a must-listen for nurses, birth workers, and anyone in a helping profession who’s ever felt the pull between compassion and exhaustion. Maggie’s words offer both practical wisdom and deep validation — a reminder that caring for others starts with caring for ourselves.Resources & Links📘 Grab Maggie’s book: I Thought I Was Here to Help at MaggieRunyon.com🩺 Learn more: The Trauma-Informed Birth Nurse Program💜 Connect with Maggie: @maggierunyon💬 Connect with Kayleigh: @thebirthtrauma_mama🌐 Learn more at HoldingHopePerinatal.comFor 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.