Ep. 223: Knowing Too Much: Birth Trauma & NICU as a Physician feat. Nicola

In this listener series episode, Kayleigh sits down with Nicola, a physician who shares her own experience with birth trauma, placenta previa, a massive hemorrhage, and a terrifying NICU journey with her son. Nicola opens up about what it’s like to be on the other side of medicine, how “knowing too much” can increase anxiety, and the deep loneliness that can come with traumatic birth and a NICU stay. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating birth trauma, NICU life, or the long road of healing afterward.In this episode, we talk about:🩺 Being a physician and still experiencing profound birth trauma🤰 A pregnancy complicated by placenta previa and multiple hospitalizations🚑 A sudden, life-threatening hemorrhage and emergency C-section at 34 weeks🩸 Massive blood loss, ICU-level care, and the shock of surviving a near-death experience👶 A premature baby, NICU life, and the fear of sepsis and breathing complications🏥 What it’s really like to be a parent in the NICU—especially when you understand the medicine😔 The deep isolation and loneliness that can follow traumatic birth and NICU stays💔 Grieving the lack of support you hoped for from family and your “village”🫶 The importance of therapy, community, and building your own support system🌱 How postpartum anxiety showed up after medical trauma🤍 Finding healing through connection, support, and timeIf you’ve ever felt alone in your NICU or birth trauma experience, this episode is for you. You are not weak. You are not overreacting. And you are not alone. 💛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.