Mamahood After Trauma | Trauma Informed Parenting, Emotional Regulation for Moms

Quiet Power Shifting Family Patterns for Good

Have you ever felt the stirring of hope, even in the midst of your deepest struggles as a mama? That tiny spark that whispers, "Maybe things can be different"? As we wrap up this powerful series on Breaking Free, I want to celebrate the incredible journey we've been on together and shine a light on what's possible when we commit to breaking the cycle of generational trauma.
Over the past few weeks, we've explored trauma responses, nervous system regulation, triggers, and the transformative power of compassion. You've bravely faced your pain, perhaps shedding tears as you finally saw your experiences reflected in words. Maybe you've started tracking your triggers or experimenting with new regulation tools. Or perhaps you've simply allowed yourself to believe that healing is within reach.
The Quiet Revolution of Cycle Breaking
Here's the beautiful truth: cycle breaking isn't always dramatic. It's in the small, consistent choices we make every day:
Responding to our child with patience instead of frustration
Choosing self-compassion over harsh self-criticism
Setting a boundary, even when it feels uncomfortable
Allowing ourselves to feel our emotions without judgment
These moments might seem insignificant, but they're the building blocks of profound change. They're how we rewrite our story and create a new legacy for our children.
What's Possible When You Break Free?
As we continue this journey beyond the book launch, I want you to envision the possibilities that await:
A sense of emotional safety for you and your little ones
Unshakeable self-trust that guides your decisions
A nervous system that knows how to find calm in the storm
The ability to set boundaries without guilt
Forgiveness that doesn't minimize your pain
A family legacy built on freedom, not just survival
I've lived this transformation, and I've witnessed it in countless other mamas. It's not about perfection – it's about showing up, again and again, even when it's hard.
Your Invitation to Keep Going
If you've felt a shift during this series – a new awareness, a different response to an old trigger, or simply a sense of being truly seen – I want to encourage you: don't stop now.
Breaking Free isn't meant to be a one-time read. It's a resource to return to, a foundation for your ongoing healing journey. Whether you've dog-eared every page or you're just getting started, the path forward is laid out for you.
And if you're ready to take the next step, I invite you to explore Beyond the Trigger. Whether you choose the self-paced option or join me for personalized coaching, know that you don't have to walk this path alone anymore.
You're not just a reader or a listener. You're a cycle breaker, a change maker, a legacy shifter. And you're doing an incredible job.
So grab your copy of Breaking Free if you haven't already, dive into the workbook and bonus materials, and let's continue this journey together. Because this isn't the end – it's just the beginning of your story of healing and transformation.Grab a copy of "Breaking Free" today- https://books.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/breakingfree
🎁 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 

Breaking the Cycle of Shame Embracing Self Worth After Trauma

Have you ever felt like your past was holding you hostage, preventing you from fully embracing motherhood? For many of us, childhood trauma casts a long shadow, making the journey through parenthood feel like navigating a minefield of triggers and self-doubt.
In this raw and powerful episode, I sit down with Kristin Duncombe, a therapist and advocate for survivors of sexual abuse. Kristin bravely shares her personal story of childhood sexual abuse and the long-lasting impact it had on her life.
From Silence to Strength: A Survivor's Journey
The insidious nature of abuse that often hides in plain sight
How unresolved childhood trauma can manifest in destructive coping mechanisms
The devastating effects of institutional protection of abusers
The power of breaking the silence and reclaiming your voice
Healing is a Lifelong Journey
Kristin's story doesn't end with the abuse. She takes us through her path of healing, including:
The pivotal moment that led her to seek therapy
How writing her book "Object" became a tool for reclaiming her power
The ongoing process of shedding shame and embracing self-acceptance
Practical Steps for Healing
If you're struggling with the aftermath of sexual trauma, Kristin offers valuable advice:
Identify your "stuck points" - the beliefs or patterns holding you back
Learn to shift your focus from others' perceptions to your own feelings and needs
Embrace the power of saying "no" and setting boundaries
You Are Not Alone
Remember, healing is possible. As Kristin powerfully states, "Shame needs to change sides." Your experiences do not define you, and you have the strength to reclaim your story.
Are you ready to start your journey towards healing and self-discovery? Listen now and take the first step towards becoming the mother you've always wanted to be – for yourself and your children.Connect with Kristin: 
www.kristinduncombe.com
https://www.instagram.com/kristin_louise_duncombe/
https://www.facebook.com/KristinLouiseDuncombe
https://substack.com/@kristinlouiseduncombe
 https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kristin-Louise-Duncombe/author/B00ATFG2K8?isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=08bed752-b9b1-47b2-8b33-b662674904f7
 
🎁 Start finding peace today! Get my free guide, Unlocking Peace, and discover practical steps to calm your triggers and nurture joy in your motherhood journey.
👉 Download now:
https://mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Grab your copy of Emily's new release, "Breaking Free: Parenting in the Midst of Trauma Recovery" today! https://books.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/breakingfree
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: 
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

You Are Not Your Past Embracing Healing in Motherhood

Have you ever felt like you were irreparably damaged, especially when it comes to motherhood? That nagging voice telling you you're not good enough, that you're somehow "broken" beyond repair? I've been there, and I want you to know something crucial: You are not broken. You are healing.
In this raw and heartfelt episode, I'm opening up about my own journey from believing I was irreparably damaged to embracing the transformative power of healing. As we celebrate the paperback release of "Breaking Free: Parenting in the Midst of Trauma Recovery," I'm sharing why these five words changed everything for me - and how they can do the same for you.
The Lie We Tell Ourselves
For years, I lived with that relentless inner critic:
You're too much.
You're damaged goods.
You'll never get this right.
You're screwing up your kids.
Sound familiar? This shame kept me quiet, stuck, and afraid to reach out for the support I desperately needed. But here's the truth I've discovered on my healing journey: that voice is a lie.
Rewriting Your Story
Through vulnerability and hard-won wisdom, you'll gain insight into:
Why your body's responses are actually trying to protect you
The moment I first believed I wasn't broken (hint: it involved a crying baby and a big shift in perspective)
How choosing connection over chaos can transform your parenting
Why healing isn't about perfection, but permission to become
A Hand to Hold on Your Healing Journey
"Breaking Free" isn't just a book - it's a companion for your healing journey. Inside, we explore:
What trauma really means and how it shows up in motherhood
Understanding triggers and working with them effectively
How to regulate without guilt
Parenting from peace instead of pain
Are you ready to stop believing you're broken and start embracing your healing journey? This episode is your invitation to come home to yourself, to rewrite your story, and to parent with the peace and presence you deserve.
Remember, every time you pause instead of react, every time you choose compassion over shame, you're not just healing yourself - you're rewiring your entire legacy. You've got this, mama. And I'm here cheering you on every step of the way.Grab a copy of Breaking Free today! https://books.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/breakingfree  
🎁 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 

Uncovering Your Inner Light: Healing and Growing in Motherhood

Have you ever felt lost in the whirlwind of motherhood, yearning to rediscover the essence of who you are? You're not alone. Many of us struggle to reconnect with our authentic selves amidst the beautiful chaos of raising children.
Embracing Your Authentic Self: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Through our conversation, Tara reveals:
The pivotal moment that sparked her journey towards self-love and healing
How she overcame negative self-talk and learned to cherish every inch of herself
The unexpected challenges she faced even after achieving significant weight loss
Her experience with bodybuilding and how it reshaped her self-perception
Breaking Free from Food Addiction
Tara candidly discusses her long struggle with emotional eating and how she finally broke free from food addiction. Her insights offer hope and practical wisdom for anyone grappling with similar challenges.
Three Steps to Finding Yourself as a Mother
For mamas feeling lost or disconnected, Tara shares three actionable steps to begin your journey of self-discovery:
Cultivate awareness of your desires and what truly resonates with your authentic self
Start small by implementing one simple, consistent action that honors you daily
Commit to consistency and celebrate your micro-wins as they accumulate into significant change
"The only way out of anything is through it. Get through it, and you will see such a beautiful transformation on the other side."
Are you ready to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and healing? This episode offers the inspiration and practical guidance you need to take that first courageous step towards reclaiming your authentic self.
Remember, mama, you already have permission to prioritize yourself. It's time to honor who you truly are and embrace the beautiful, unique light within you.Connect with Tara: Website: www.tara-wiskow.comFreebie: https://bethechangeyouneedagency.mvsite.app/products/courses/view/1180457/?action=signup Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-the-change-you-need-podcast/id1689118909 
🎁 Start finding peace today! Get my free guide, Unlocking Peace, and discover practical steps to calm your triggers and nurture joy in your motherhood journey.
👉 Download now:
https://mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
Grab your copy of Emily's New Release "Breaking Free: Parenting in the Midst of Trauma Recovery": https://books.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/breakingfree 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: 
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

The Invisible Progress of Trauma Recovery in Parenting

Have you ever felt like you're drowning in the chaos of motherhood, desperately trying to keep your head above water while healing from past trauma? You're not alone, mama. In this raw and unfiltered episode, I'm peeling back the layers of perfectionism to reveal the messy, beautiful truth about healing while raising little ones.
As a fellow cycle breaker, I understand the weight of expectations we place on ourselves. We read the books, practice regulation techniques, and show up for our children day after day. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, we still find ourselves hiding in the bathroom with a bag of chips, tears streaming down our faces.
The Hidden Truth About Healing
Here's the revelation that might just set you free: healing isn't a finish line. There's no magical moment when you've "arrived." Instead, it's a series of small victories, subtle shifts, and moments of grace that often go unnoticed.
Through vulnerable storytelling and practical wisdom, I'll guide you to:
Recognize the signs of progress, even when they feel invisible
Embrace imperfection as a natural part of the healing journey
Cultivate self-compassion when you stumble
Return to yourself with softness after difficult moments
A Breath of Fresh Air
In this episode, I'll lead you through a simple breathing exercise to ground yourself in the present moment. It's a taste of the practical tools I offer to help you navigate the stormy seas of motherhood and trauma recovery.
You're Not Behind, You're Becoming
If you've been feeling like you're falling short or that healing is out of reach, this heart-to-heart conversation is for you. I'll remind you of the incredible strength it takes to unlearn survival patterns while creating safety for your children.
Remember, mama: You're not too broken. You're not too late. You're not behind. You're becoming. And your journey is changing your family's future, even when it feels like you're standing still.
Ready to embrace the messy, beautiful process of healing? Listen now and let's take this courageous step together.Grab a copy of Breaking Free- https://books.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/breakingfree 
 
🎁 Start finding peace today! Get my free guide, Unlocking Peace, and discover practical steps to calm your triggers and nurture joy in your motherhood journey.
👉 Download now:
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 

Celebrating Small Victories on Your Journey to Healing as a Mom

Have you ever felt like your past was holding you back from being the mother you want to be? As trauma survivors, we often struggle with self-doubt and feelings of unworthiness. But what if I told you that your experiences, both good and bad, have equipped you with unique strengths?
In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Lori Pappas, a 76-year-old trauma survivor turned humanitarian and author. Lori's journey from being institutionalized as a teen to helping over 100,000 people in Africa is nothing short of inspiring.
Redefining Success: The DREAM Model
Lori introduces us to her DREAM model, a framework she developed to help trauma survivors create fulfilling lives:
Desire: Identifying what you truly want
Reflect: Examining your strengths and challenges
Explore: Uncovering experiences that built resilience
Acknowledge: Accepting both the difficulties and gifts of your past
Mantra: Creating affirmations to support your journey
Through Lori's wisdom, you'll learn how to:
Recognize and celebrate your inherent worth
Reframe "mistakes" as opportunities for growth
Take small, manageable steps towards change
Cultivate self-compassion and forgiveness
"You did the very best you could do at that moment in time," Lori reminds us. Her words serve as a powerful antidote to the self-blame many trauma survivors carry.
Your Invitation to Healing
Are you ready to see yourself through a lens of compassion? To recognize the strength that's carried you this far? Lori's insights offer a roadmap for transforming your relationship with yourself and, by extension, with your children.
By downloading Lori's free DREAM framework from her website, you can begin applying these principles to your own life immediately. Remember, healing isn't about perfection – it's about progress.
As you listen to this episode, I invite you to open your heart to the possibility that your past doesn't define you. Instead, it has equipped you with unique strengths to become the mother you aspire to be.
Your journey of healing and growth starts here. Are you ready to take the first step?Connect with Lori: https://loripappas.substack.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 

Self Compassion for Moms Healing Childhood Trauma

Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night, haunted by the thought that you're somehow ruining your children? That nagging voice whispering you're too damaged to raise whole, healthy humans? If so, you're not alone in this struggle, mama.
In this raw and honest episode, I'm peeling back the layers of shame and self-doubt that so many of us carry as mothers healing from trauma. We're diving deep into the heart of those painful thoughts that tell us we're failing our little ones every single day.
The Truth About Your "Failures" as a Mother
But here's the truth bomb you need to hear: That critical voice in your head? It's not reality - it's your trauma talking. Those moments when you snap or shut down aren't a reflection of your worth as a mother. They're echoes of pain you weren't allowed to express as a child.
I'm sharing a powerful mantra from my book "Breaking Free" that just might change everything:
"My triggers are not a reflection of my failure as a mother. They are echoes of the pain I wasn't allowed to express as a child."
Let that sink in for a moment. Your reactions aren't signs of brokenness - they're brilliant adaptations your nervous system created to survive. And now, as you learn to reparent yourself while raising your children, you're doing something truly heroic.
A Moment of Compassionate Pause
In this episode, I guide you through a gentle exercise to reconnect with yourself and plant seeds of self-compassion. It's a chance to breathe, settle into your body, and whisper words of kindness to the parts of you that need it most.
You Are Not Alone in This Journey
If this conversation touches something tender in you, please know you're not the only one struggling. Your desire to do better, even in the midst of the mess, is proof that you're already rewriting your story.
Ready to Break Free?
For those ready to dig deeper, I introduce my book "Breaking Free: Parenting in the Midst of Trauma Recovery." It's not just a manual - it's a lifeline filled with raw truth, practical tools, and the compassion you've always deserved but were never taught to give yourself.Order your copy here:
books.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/breakingfreelaunch
Mama, you are not broken. You are breaking free. And I'm here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
🎁 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 

Compassionate Parenting Strategies for Complex Kids

Have you ever felt like parenting was a rollercoaster ride you couldn't get off? For those of us navigating the challenges of raising complex or neurospicy kids while dealing with our own trauma responses, it can feel like a perfect storm of chaos and overwhelm.
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Diane Dempster from Impact Parents to explore the intricate dance between neurodiversity, trauma, and parenting. We unpack the hidden struggles many of us face and offer practical strategies to break free from shame cycles and reactive patterns.
Embracing Neurodiversity in Parenting
Diane shares her wealth of experience in supporting parents of complex kids, emphasizing the power of neurodiversity-informed coaching tools. We discuss:
The interplay between trauma and neurodiversity in both parents and children
How coaching techniques can empower kids to overcome obstacles and foster independence
The importance of recognizing and working with your child's unique neurological makeup
Breaking the Cycle of Shame and Reactivity
One of the most powerful insights Diane offers is the role shame plays in perpetuating our struggles. We explore:
How to recognize and interrupt the trigger-react-shame cycle
Practical tools for cultivating self-compassion in challenging moments
The transformative power of normalizing our experiences without excusing harmful behaviors
"Nobody wants to cause an ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience). I believe that everybody does the best they can." - Diane Dempster
Collaborative Problem-Solving with Your Kids
Diane introduces a game-changing approach to managing family dynamics:
Creating a shared language and toolbox for emotional regulation
The power of partnering with your children to find solutions that work for everyone
How transparency and accountability can strengthen your relationship with your kids
A Toolbox for Tough Moments
We dive into specific strategies you can use when emotions run high:
The "order of operations" for de-escalating tense situations
Creative ways to meet both your needs and your child's needs simultaneously
The importance of understanding your own patterns and triggers
If you're ready to transform your approach to parenting and break free from the chains of shame and reactivity, this episode is your roadmap to creating a more peaceful, understanding home environment. Listen now and take the first step towards becoming the parent you've always wanted to be – for yourself and your children.Connect with Diane- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ImpactParents Parenting With Impact podcast: https://impactparents.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents/ Resources: https://impactparents.com/resources/
🎁 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 Triggered to Brave Rewriting Your Family Story as a Cycle Breaker Mom

Have you ever felt the weight of generational trauma pressing down on your shoulders as you navigate motherhood? That overwhelming desire to do things differently, to break free from the patterns that have haunted your family for generations? You're not alone in this struggle, mama.
As a trauma survivor and trigger recovery coach, I've walked this path myself. Today, I'm opening up about what it truly means to be a cycle breaker - and let me tell you, it's far from the polished, Instagram-worthy image we often see.
The Raw Reality of Breaking Cycles
Being a cycle breaker isn't just about making bold declarations or creating vision boards (though those can certainly help). It's about:
Choosing to stay present when every fiber of your being wants to shut down
Taking that crucial pause before reacting, even if it's just for one breath
Getting back up and trying again, not because it's easy, but because you know deep in your soul that this pain stops with you
From Survival to Sacred Transformation
I vividly remember the moment my own healing journey truly began. Just weeks after giving birth to my first child, I was hit by a tsunami of repressed emotions. In that raw, vulnerable state, I had to make a choice: run away or face the unknown.
I chose to stay - not because I felt strong, but because my love for my daughter was more powerful than my fear of confronting my own pain. That decision became the catalyst for profound change in my life and ultimately led to the creation of my new book, "Breaking Free: Parenting in the Midst of Trauma Recovery."
Embracing the Beautiful Mess of Healing
Here's the truth, mama: cycle breaking is exhausting, messy, and often thankless work. You're:
Learning to feel emotions you were never given permission to have
Building boundaries no one taught you how to create
Showing up with intention while still tending to your own wounds
But I want you to hear this loud and clear: Your efforts are incredibly brave and powerful. Even the desire to break the cycle is an act of resistance against generations of pain.
A Lifeline for Your Journey
If you're ready to take the next step in your healing journey, I have something special to offer. My book, "Breaking Free," is now available for pre-order. This isn't a polished manual with all the answers - it's a raw, honest exploration of what it really takes to heal while raising tiny humans.
When you pre-order, you'll not only secure your copy but also:
Gain entry into a special giveaway (running throughout July 2025)
Receive exclusive bonuses to support your healing journey
Are you ready to move from simply surviving to truly thriving? Visit the link below to pre-order your copy of "Breaking Free" and take a powerful step towards the peace and healing you deserve.👉🏼 books.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/breakingfreelaunch
Remember, mama - you're not broken. You're breaking free, and your story is only just beginning.
🎁 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 Homework Struggles to Honor Roll The Power of Brain Retraining

As a mama navigating the challenges of parenting after trauma, have you ever wondered if there might be a way to help your child overcome mental health struggles without medication? I certainly did when my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD at age 7. Like many of us, I felt lost and overwhelmed, unsure of how to best support her.
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Dr. Candace Holmes, a natural brain transformation specialist, to explore an innovative approach that's changing lives: neurofeedback therapy. Dr. Holmes shares her personal journey of discovering this drug-free, non-invasive treatment that helped her own daughter flourish.
Unveiling the Power of Neurofeedback
Through our conversation, you'll gain insight into:
How neurofeedback retrains the brain to function optimally
The wide range of conditions it can address, from ADHD to anxiety and PTSD
Real-life transformations, including improved focus, social skills, and confidence
A Mother's Triumph: From Struggle to Success
Dr. Holmes candidly discusses the challenges she faced as a single mom, from marathon homework sessions to heartbreaking social struggles. Her story of perseverance and eventual breakthrough will resonate with any parent who's felt helpless in the face of their child's difficulties.
"I didn't want my daughter labeled... I was sure I didn't want to put her on medication."
Hope for a Brighter Future
If you're feeling stuck or skeptical about traditional treatment options, this episode offers a glimpse into an alternative that could be life-changing for your family. Dr. Holmes emphasizes that you don't have to struggle alone, sharing practical advice on:
How to investigate neurofeedback therapy
What to expect during treatment
The potential for reducing or eliminating medication dependence
Are you ready to explore a new path towards healing and growth for your child? This conversation might just be the first step towards reclaiming peace in your home and helping your little one thrive.Connect with Dr. Candace- https://learn.braincoreofduluth.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