253: Healing Through Trauma from Birth and the Pandemic

Those trained in perinatal mental health can still struggle with perinatal mental health conditions. Having professional knowledge of the issues doesn’t make someone immune from any mental health problems. I’m grateful that today’s guest is sharing her story to show that those in the helping professions can experience the same struggles that any other person does. Join us to hear Kelsie’s story! Kelsie Hammons is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist in Arkansas. She became a mother in early 2020, which meant that her entire postpartum experience took place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although she was trained and knew about the supportive tools to mitigate postpartum stressors, she struggled with the additional unpredictable layers of stress in healing from her traumatic birth experience while the pandemic was raging. She attempted to find her own rhythm during the isolation as she felt that she was mothering against the current. Kelsie’s experience lit a fire within her to work to support women during these transition times and help them feel more connected and regulated. Show Highlights Kelsie’s professional career launched about the same time as her pregnancy with her baby, born in February 2020 Her birth didn’t go as planned and required an emergency C-section–and then her postpartum coincided with the pandemic shutdown A struggle to find her new identity as a mother while feeling isolated and unsupported What supports Kelsie had in place before her birth Gaslighting herself and her feelings of anxiety until she reached out for help when her daughter was several months old Kelsie coped with what she knows now was a trauma response Healing has to come at its own pace–and how Kelsie learned this through therapy work Why it was monumental for Kelsie to process her birth experience How Kelsie is able to offer regulation tools to women with understanding because she knows what worked best for her Problems occur when external pressures interrupt internal values for new moms Kelsie’s work has transitioned to Heart Led Mental Health Resources Connect with Kelsie Website (coming soon!) and Instagram Thrive Counseling and Wellness   Visit www.postpartum.net for resources. I’d love to hear from you! Click HERE for information on the grief course.   Visit my website for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!