Birth After Trauma: How Samantha & Matt Found Healing and Strength
Show Notes:
From trauma to triumph — Samantha and Matt’s birth story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible. After a terrifying first birth that left them both shaken, they came into baby #2’s birth with education, preparation, and a whole lot of heart. With gestational diabetes, high-risk care, and past trauma stacked against her, Samantha shares how she found her strength, leaned on her partner, and birthed her baby in just over 6 hours, naturally, confidently, and joyfully. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering if a redemptive birth is really possible (spoiler: it is 💪).
[1:27] Reviewer of the Week
"I am 33 weeks pregnant with my first and l've always wanted to have an unmedicated birth. But I didn't know all that much. Now after lots of birth classes, and podcasts like THIS I have been able to clear all my fear about birth and feel EXCITED for my birth. Crazy to think I feel excited for something so many people are scared of. I recommend your podcast to everyone!" - Sadie Phillip
[1:52] Samantha & Matt’s Birth Experience
We meet Samantha and Matt from Wilmington, Delaware, parents to two beautiful kiddos. They’re here to share their second birth story, but the journey starts with the trauma of their first.
[3:58] Why Samantha’s First Birth Was Traumatic
This is where it gets heavy. Samantha walks us through being diagnosed with severe preeclampsia at 37 weeks, a whirlwind induction, magnesium, multiple medications, and being told a C-section might be life-threatening. She doesn’t remember parts of the birth — but her husband does. “I was told that I probably wouldn’t survive a C-section.”
[7:12] Matt’s Perspective: Surviving the Trauma Together
Matt opens up about being terrified and having to “step up” as a husband and father. “I was looking at two people I love more than anything, and all I wanted was for them to be healthy and safe.”
[9:22] Importance of Pregnancy Education
They didn’t know what they didn’t know. The first time around, Samantha was scared of birth and avoided preparing. The second time? They came in ready. “I didn’t want fear to stop me from what I wanted.”
[12:15] Samantha’s Birth Plan & High-Risk Care
With gestational diabetes and a history of preeclampsia, Samantha worked closely with both her OB and maternal fetal medicine. She was determined to be proactive this time.
[14:27] Working Through Gestational Diabetes
Even though it was disappointing, she embraced it with grace: “There was trial and error… but I stayed positive. I kept telling myself: I’m doing the best I can.”
[16:32] Keeping GD in Check at the End of Pregnancy
She eventually needed a small dose of insulin and juggled frequent NSTs, OB visits, and MFM check-ins, but handled it like a boss.
[17:53] How Matt Supported Samantha
Matt brings humor and honesty as a partner and paramedic: “If the human race relied on men to give birth, we’d be extinct. Just listen to her. That’s it.”
He also talks about being her advocate and watching out for her medically.
[20:20] Samantha’s “Dailies”
Exercise, hydration, nutrition, and affirmations were non-negotiable. “I’d listen to the ocean relaxation track in the car before appointments when I was feeling anxious. It helped center me.”
[23:03] Coming Up to Labor
Induction was scheduled for July 31… but baby had other plans. Her water broke early that morning, and labor began naturally.
[25:41] From Contractions to Birth
Her labor was FAST — just over 6 hours from start to finish. From bouncing on a birth ball to low vowel sounds, to counter-pressure from her mom and holding on tight to Matt — she worked through each wave. “I kept telling myself, ‘One more minute. Just one more minute."
[30:52] Tools That Helped During Labor
Music, dim lights, affirmations from her daughter, and a whole lot of mindset work made the difference.
[32:06] What She Told Herself in Labor: “I can do this. I am doing this.”
[33:16] How Matt Helped
Whether it was rubbing her back, holding her close, or just breathing with her — Matt was her steady anchor.
[34:15] Why She’s Sharing Her Story
Because trauma doesn’t have to define your story. “Just knowing it’s possible — that you’re strong enough — that makes it worth sharing.”
[35:00] Healing From Past Trauma
Therapy, reflection, preparation — and the birth itself — all helped Samantha process her first birth and come out stronger than ever. “I felt the strongest I have ever felt in my life.”
[36:23] Best Advice for Moms & Dads
For moms: “Put in the work. Educate yourself. Believe in your strength.”
For dads: “Be there. Be her advocate. Don’t be afraid to speak up or step in. You do have a role.”
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