Mamahood After Trauma

Breathing Through Trauma Healing Motherhood One Exhale at a Time

Have you ever felt like your past experiences were holding you back from fully embracing motherhood? As mamas, we often carry invisible burdens that can dim our inner light, even amid the profound joy of raising our little ones. But what if I told you that healing is possible, and it starts with learning to listen to yourself?
In this powerful episode, I am honoured to sit down with Ellen Slater, founder of Heart and Hand, to explore the intricate connection between trauma recovery and motherhood. Ellen brings 20 years of experience in studying, researching, and healing trauma, offering a unique perspective as both a professional and a fellow mama.
Redefining Trauma: More Than Just Big Events
Ellen challenges our understanding of trauma, describing it as "experiencing pain and fear without the attuned presence of another." This definition opens our eyes to the subtle ways trauma can manifest in our lives and impact our parenting journey.
The Cycle-Breaking Power of Self-Compassion
If you're listening to this podcast, you might be the chosen cycle-breaker in your family lineage. While it's not an easy role, Ellen reminds us of its profound importance:
"Any cycle breaker is part of the healing of our species and our Earth."
Practical Steps Towards Healing
1. Connect with your body: Start by simply feeling your breath and physical sensations.
2. Practice self-touch: Gently place a hand on your heart or cheek as a gesture of self-comfort.
3. Cultivate curiosity: Ask yourself, "What is waking up in me right now?"
The Ripple Effect of Self-Love
Remember, how you treat yourself directly impacts how you treat your children. By nurturing a loving relationship with your inner world, you're not only healing yourself but also modeling essential emotional skills for your little ones.
Are you ready to embark on this transformative journey of self-discovery and healing? Join us as we explore the profound connection between trauma recovery and motherhood, and learn how to create a more peaceful, joyful experience for both you and your children.
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

From Yelling to Healing The Tough Truth About Breaking Cycles

Have you ever found yourself in that heart-sinking moment when you've just yelled at your child, and suddenly you hear your own parent's voice echoing through your words? It's a jarring experience that many of us face on our journey to break generational cycles of trauma.
In this raw and honest episode, I dive deep into the challenging reality of trying to parent differently when you weren't given the tools growing up. We explore the gap between wanting to change and knowing how to change, and why simply deciding to parent gently isn't always enough.
The Truth About Inherited Parenting Patterns
I share some hard-hitting truths about why we default to familiar behaviors under stress, even when we've sworn never to repeat them. You'll learn why:
Our nervous system relies on wiring built in childhood
Yelling or shutting down might be your body's learned survival response
You're not broken, but patterned - and patterns can be reprogrammed
Building Your Parenting Toolkit from Scratch
For those of us who want to parent gently but don't know how, it can feel like standing on the edge of a bridge we've never built. I offer insights into:
Why trigger awareness and regulation tools are foundational
The importance of building a response plan before chaos hits
Three micro-shifts to help break the yelling cycle
Embracing the Learning Process
If you've ever felt like you're failing because you yelled, this message is for you: You are allowed to be learning. I explain why:
You're not failing, you're learning to soften what was once hardened
Your kids don't need a perfect mom, they need a healing one
Every pause instead of explosion is rewriting your legacy
Are you ready to start mending the past so you can parent in peace? I've created a free Unlocking Peace guide packed with practical tools to help you respond instead of react. It's your first step towards building that bridge to gentle parenting, even when it wasn't modeled for you.
Remember, you're not crazy, you're not alone, and you are absolutely capable of parenting in peace - even when peace was never shown to you. Let's take this healing journey together, one breath at a time.
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Overcoming Adversity: Five Steps to Thriving as a Parent

Have you ever felt like life has thrown you one curveball too many? As mamas, we often face challenges that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. But what if there was a way to not just survive these obstacles, but to truly thrive in the face of adversity?
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Michaela Cox, an inspiring author and speaker who has faced her fair share of life's toughest moments. Michaela opens up about her journey through what she calls the "38 triple D" - disability, divorce, and death - all by the age of 38. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of choosing to overcome.
Embracing Grace: A Path to Thriving After Adversity
Michaela shares her hard-won wisdom on how to navigate life's most challenging moments, offering a unique perspective as both a mother with a disability and a solo parent. Through her experiences, she's developed a powerful framework for moving from survival to thriving, centered around the word "grace":
Grounding: Establishing a strong foundation to steady yourself in life's storms
Redesign: Embracing the opportunity to create a new narrative
Abundance: Cultivating a positive mindset to fuel your journey
Care: Prioritizing self-care and clarity over chaos and confusion
Equipped: Gathering the tools and resources needed for your journey
Lessons for Our Children: Creating a Legacy of Resilience
As mamas, we often wonder how our own experiences shape our children's lives. Michaela offers insights into how she's using her journey to teach her kids valuable life lessons, including her innovative "Before the Clock Strikes Midnight" book series - a beautiful way to pass on wisdom to the next generation.
"Choose well to live your best life and take your best shot."
This episode is a must-listen for any mama feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges. Michaela's story reminds us that with the right mindset and tools, we can not only weather life's storms but emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.
Are you ready to transform your approach to life's challenges? Tune in to discover how you can apply Michaela's "grace" framework to your own journey, and start moving from surviving to thriving today.
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

Your Nervous System Is Your Ally Not Your Enemy in Motherhood

Have you ever found yourself snapping at your child, only to be overwhelmed by guilt moments later? As a mama who's experienced trauma, those reactive moments can leave you feeling lost and frustrated. But what if I told you that your nervous system isn't working against you – it's actually trying to protect you?
In this eye-opening episode, we explore the hidden truth behind your reactivity as a mother. You'll discover why those seemingly uncontrollable responses aren't flaws, but rather adaptations your body created to keep you safe during past traumas.
Unraveling the Mystery of Maternal Triggers
Through personal insights and practical examples, I'll guide you to:
Recognize how your past experiences shape your present reactions
Understand the crucial difference between what once kept you safe and what might be holding you back now
Identify the physical signals your body sends before you react
From Survival Mode to Conscious Parenting
But understanding is just the beginning. You'll also learn:
Simple, effective techniques to interrupt the cycle of reactivity
How to create a pause between trigger and response
The power of self-compassion in breaking old patterns
"What kept you safe then in the trauma might be keeping you stuck now."
You Don't Have to Do This Alone
Healing from trauma while navigating motherhood is a journey – one you were never meant to walk alone. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce you to our Inner Circle WhatsApp community. It's a gentle, supportive space where you can:
Receive bite-sized encouragement and voice notes
Access real-time nervous system tools
Connect with other mamas who truly understand
The best part? It's completely free and open now. Join through the link below or reach out to me directly on social media (emily.mamahoodaftertrauma on IG).
Are you ready to transform your triggers into opportunities for growth and connection? Listen now and take the first step towards mending your past so you can truly be present in your motherhood journey.
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
Join the Inner Circle community-
https://chat.whatsapp.com/CNWIkowNOW5K50rnX0zDPV
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Quantum Shifts for Mamas Reclaiming Peace After Trauma

Have you ever felt like your past experiences were holding you back from fully embracing motherhood? As if there was an invisible barrier between you and the peace you long for? You're not alone in this struggle.
Many of us carry the weight of our history, unsure how to release it and step into our full potential as mothers. But what if I told you there's a way to heal at the deepest level, transforming not just your mind, but your very biology?
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Kate Mayer, an expert in quantum healing, to explore how this powerful approach can revolutionize your healing journey and impact your role as a mother.
The Quantum Leap in Healing
Kate shares her personal evolution from traditional therapy methods to the transformative world of quantum healing. Through her story, you'll discover:
Why conventional approaches often fall short in addressing deep-rooted trauma
How quantum healing taps into the body's innate wisdom to create lasting change
The surprising connection between your family history and your current struggles
Breaking the Cycle: From Pain to Peace
Kate's journey from an abusive relationship to empowered motherhood serves as a beacon of hope. She reveals:
Practical strategies for prioritizing self-healing while parenting young children
The ripple effect of personal growth on your children's confidence and resilience
Why allowing your kids to witness your healing process can be profoundly beneficial
Experience Quantum Healing Firsthand
In a special segment, Kate guides us through a mini quantum healing session. You'll have the opportunity to:
Identify a triggering situation in your life
Learn how to locate and quantify emotional responses in your body
Participate in a guided exercise aimed at neutralizing negative energy
Many listeners report feeling immediate shifts, from physical sensations to emotional release. Could this be the breakthrough you've been searching for?
Your Next Steps Toward Transformation
If you're intrigued by the potential of quantum healing, Kate offers several ways to dive deeper:
Access to her app featuring specialized healing programs (with an exclusive free month for our listeners)
Additional resources through her YouTube channel and website
Are you ready to rewrite your story and create a new legacy of peace for your family? This episode might just be the catalyst you've been waiting for.Connect with Kate: https://the-healing-place-app.kit.com/f376ca14fd
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Tears in the Laundry Room What Motherhood Reveals About Us

Have you ever felt like motherhood cracked you open in ways you never expected? Like suddenly, the person you thought you were vanished, replaced by someone you barely recognize? If you've found yourself hiding in the laundry room, tears streaming down your face, wondering "What's wrong with me?" – this episode is for you.
Before becoming a mama, you might have been the epitome of strength and achievement. But now? The smallest things feel insurmountable. You're reactive, overwhelmed, and carrying a heavy burden of shame. Let me assure you: You are not broken. What you're experiencing isn't weakness or failure – it's unhealed pain finally finding a safe space to surface.
The Mirror of Motherhood
As your host and a fellow mama on this healing journey, I'm here to share my own story of transformation. Like many of you, I thought I had "done the work" before becoming a parent. But motherhood acted as a powerful mirror, reflecting back all the wounds I had tried to outrun.
In this raw and honest episode, we explore:
Why becoming a mother can trigger unexpected emotional responses
The hidden connection between your past and your present parenting struggles
How to reframe your challenges as invitations for deep, lasting healing
Breaking the Cycle of Shame
If you've ever caught yourself thinking, "I didn't used to be like this," know that you're not alone. Together, we'll unpack why:
Your nervous system might be trying to protect you from old wounds
Suppressing these feelings often makes them louder
Healing is possible, and you don't have to do it alone
Your Invitation to Peace
Are you ready to start understanding your emotional reactions and find more peace, even in the chaos of motherhood? I've created a free resource just for you. The Unlocking Peace guide is your first gentle step towards regulation and release.
Grab your copy now at freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
Remember, mama: You're not behind. You're not too much. You're becoming, one healing moment at a time. Let's mend the past together, so we can mother with peace and presence.Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Reclaiming Self Trust Through the Journey of Motherhood

Have you ever felt like your past experiences were holding you back from fully embracing motherhood? For many of us, childhood wounds and traumatic events can cast long shadows, making it challenging to trust ourselves and connect with our children.
In this raw and honest episode, I'm joined by Galadriel, a woman whose journey of healing and self-discovery will inspire you to reclaim your power as a mother. From surviving a near-fatal car accident to navigating the complexities of pregnancy and childbirth, Galadriel shares how she learned to integrate fragmented parts of herself and cultivate deep self-trust.
Embracing Wholeness: A Mother's Path to Self-Trust
Through vulnerability and hard-won wisdom, you'll gain insight into:
The impact of childhood experiences on our sense of self-worth and identity
How unresolved trauma can resurface during pregnancy and early motherhood
The transformative power of connecting with your inner child
Practical strategies for developing self-trust and nurturing your spirit
Finding Your Inner Compass
Galadriel's story reminds us that healing isn't about perfection – it's about presence. She shares how motherhood became a catalyst for profound personal growth, teaching her that she couldn't give her son what she didn't first give herself.
"I've learned that I can love bigger than I've ever been able to love anything or anyone," Galadriel reflects. Her journey illustrates how embracing our whole selves – including our wounds and struggles – allows us to show up more authentically for our children.
A Gift for Every Mama
Galadriel offers a powerful visualization exercise to help you reconnect with your inner child and create a sense of safety within yourself. This simple yet profound practice can transform how you relate to both yourself and your little ones.
"We can't change the past, but we can choose to not be crippled by our trauma."
If you've ever felt disconnected from yourself or struggled to trust your instincts as a mother, this conversation will remind you of the incredible strength and wisdom you already possess. It's time to reclaim your power and create the nurturing, joyful motherhood experience you and your children deserve.
Are you ready to start your journey towards wholeness and self-trust? Listen now and take the first step towards becoming the mother you've always wanted to be – for yourself and your little ones.
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Nurturing Your Inner Safe Haven as a Trauma Surviving Mama

Have you ever felt like your emotions were too much to handle? Like you had to hide parts of yourself to fit in or keep the peace? For many of us, especially those navigating motherhood after trauma, emotional safety can feel like an elusive dream.
But what if I told you that creating a sense of emotional security isn't just possible – it's essential for healing and thriving as a mama?
In this heartfelt episode, I'm peeling back the layers on emotional safety. We'll explore what it truly means, why it matters so deeply, and how you can cultivate it for yourself and your little ones.
Debunking the Myths: What Emotional Safety Really Looks Like
Let's start by clearing up some common misconceptions:
• Emotional safety doesn't mean a life free from conflict or difficult feelings
• Setting healthy boundaries actually increases emotional security, not diminishes it
I share my personal journey of recognizing how my own lack of emotional safety impacted my children, and the transformative power of doing the inner work to create a more secure environment for all of us.
Signs You're Struggling with Emotional Safety
Do any of these resonate with you?
• Constantly second-guessing your feelings and memories
• Avoiding deep conversations out of fear of rejection
• Feeling responsible for keeping everyone else happy, no matter the cost to yourself
• Your body reacting to triggers before your mind even registers them
If so, you're not alone. These are common experiences for those of us healing from trauma.
Creating Your Emotional Safe Haven
I'll guide you through practical steps to build emotional safety:
1. Cultivating self-awareness without judgment
2. Practicing self-compassion (even when it feels challenging)
3. Shifting your inner dialogue to focus on your needs
4. Modeling emotional safety for your children
5. Finding supportive community that feels truly safe
Remember, emotional safety isn't about perfection. It's about having the tools to navigate difficult moments with grace and self-love.
Are you ready to create more emotional security in your life and for your family? This episode offers a roadmap to get you started. Your journey to healing and peace begins here.
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Embracing Imperfection as a Trauma Surviving Parent

As a mama who's survived trauma, do you ever worry about passing your pain onto your children? That fear of recreating your own difficult experiences can feel overwhelming, but there's hope for breaking the cycle.
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Katie Turner, a registered psychologist and trauma therapist, to explore the delicate balance of healing ourselves while raising resilient kids. Katie shares invaluable insights on:
Embracing Imperfection in Parenting
Why striving for "perfect parenting" can actually hinder our growth
How to release unrealistic expectations and find self-compassion
The importance of modeling healthy repair after mistakes
Navigating the Healing Journey
Understanding that healing is a process, not a destination
Recognizing the impact of systemic issues and lack of support
Practical ways to cultivate self-compassion as a trauma survivor
Breaking Generational Patterns
Identifying internalized toxic beliefs about motherhood
Strategies for challenging negative self-talk
The power of community in supporting our healing
Katie reminds us that while we can't completely shield our children from all pain, we can equip them with resilience and model healthy coping strategies. By showing them how to navigate mistakes and emotions, we're giving them invaluable life skills.
If you've been struggling with the weight of your past while trying to create a brighter future for your family, this conversation offers a compassionate roadmap forward. You'll walk away with practical tools for self-compassion and a renewed sense of hope for your parenting journey.
Remember, mama: your commitment to healing is already making a profound difference. Let's continue growing together, one small step at a time.Connect with Katie Turner: https://katieturnerpsychology.com/ 
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Nurturing Friendships While Honoring Your Nervous System

Have you ever felt a deep longing for connection, yet found yourself hesitating to reach out? For many of us who've experienced trauma, especially the kind that shatters trust, building new friendships can feel like navigating a minefield. Your heart yearns for meaningful relationships, but your body sends warning signals at the mere thought of letting someone in.
I've been there, friend. I know the internal struggle of craving closeness while simultaneously feeling guarded, anxious, or even suspicious when others try to get close. It's a lonely place to be, but I want you to know you're not alone in this experience.
In this raw and honest episode, I dive deep into the complexities of female friendship and community after trauma. We explore why your nervous system might resist connection and how to create safety in relationships gently. Most importantly, we discuss why finding the right community is essential for healing and how to discover it.
Understanding Your Nervous System's Resistance
If you've lived through trauma, especially relational trauma, your body may have learned that other people aren't safe. This isn't just an emotional response - it's biological. Your nervous system is doing its job, trying to protect you from perceived threats. But this protective mechanism can leave you:
Feeling tense or guarded around new people
Overthinking conversations and replaying them in your head
Struggling to let others see the real you
Feeling emotionally drained after social interactions
Recognizing these responses is the first step toward healing. Remember, this isn't a failure on your part - it's your body's way of trying to keep you safe.
Creating Safety When Connection Feels Dangerous
Healing happens in connection, but how do you create safety when your body is convinced that connection isn't safe? Here are some strategies to help you navigate this journey:
Start with self-trust: Learn to listen to your gut and honor your boundaries.
Regulate your nervous system: Use techniques like deep breathing or grounding exercises to bring your body back to a state of calm.
Take small steps: You don't have to dive into deep vulnerability right away. Start with sharing small bits of yourself and pay attention to how your body feels.
Find the right people: Seek out spaces where you feel seen, accepted, and supported as you are.
The Power of the Right Community
Not all communities are created equal. Healing happens in spaces where you feel truly seen and accepted, not where you have to perform to belong. When you're surrounded by people who hold space for you without judgment, your nervous system starts to recalibrate. It begins to learn that connection can be safe.
If you've been craving this kind of supportive environment, I invite you to explore the Mamahood After Trauma Inner Circle. It's a space where mamas like you can feel safe to share, heal, and grow without judgment.
Your Invitation to Healing Connection
Remember, mama, you deserve safe, supportive relationships. If you've struggled to find that, it's not because you're broken - you just haven't found the right space yet. You are capable of healing, and you don't have to figure it out alone.
Are you ready to take the first step towards creating meaningful connections in a safe, supportive environment? Your journey to healing and authentic friendships starts here. Listen now and discover how you can start building the community you've always longed for.Join the Mamahood After Trauma Inner Circle: patreon.com/MamahoodAfterTrauma 
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc