"It Was Supposed to Be Different": Understanding Birth Trauma & Motherhood Shift with Emma

In this deeply validating and enlightening episode, your host welcomes Emma Snelgar—Mental Health Nurse, ex-midwife, birth therapist, and founder of Empower Matrescence. Emma supports women across Australia in processing difficult, disappointing, or traumatic birth and postpartum experiences, offering in-home sessions in Perth and Telehealth options nationwide.Together, we unpack:What birth trauma really means (and who defines it)How to identify the signs that your birth may still be impacting you—weeks, months, or even years laterThe emotional and physical responses often misunderstood as just “new mum stuff”Why grief, anger, and disappointment after birth are valid, even if you had a "healthy baby"The protective power of birth debriefing and why it's never too lateThe essential but under-discussed transformation of matrescence—the emotional, hormonal, social, and neurological shift from woman to motherEmma shares her professional insights, her personal experiences, and the systemic challenges faced by both mothers and care providers. She also offers empowering suggestions for preparing for birth and reclaiming your story—no matter where you are on your parenting journey.Whether you’re a new mum, planning your next birth, or still processing one years later—this conversation is a reminder: your experience matters.Guest Bio:Emma Snelgar is a Mental Health Nurse, birth therapist, and former midwife, specialising in supporting women who have experienced traumatic or emotionally difficult births and postpartum periods. Through her private practice, Empower Matrescence, she offers compassionate, trauma-informed support to help mothers debrief, process, and heal. Emma sees clients in-home across the Perth metro area and via Telehealth for women throughout Australia. She will soon offer Medicare rebates for eligible sessions.Connect with Emma:Website: www.empowermatrescence.comInstagram: @empowermatrescenceWould like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don’t know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 70 Show NotesAnd I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. Until next time, Thrivers