Advertise on podcast: Mamahood After Trauma | Healing Childhood Trauma, Parenting Triggers & Emotional Regulation for Moms

After spending 20 years struggling to recognize what safety felt like, Amy Armstrong began rebuilding her sense of power with an unexpected ally: a pair of inexpensive western-style boots she wore on intimidating days. In this episode, Amy joins Emily Cleghorn to talk about supporting mothers navigating high-conflict co-parenting and court, where being believed can feel like another battle. She shares a practical way to prepare for difficult exchanges and holidays, listen to what your body needs, and plan for the time apart when your children are with their other parent. You’ll also hear how small, personal reminders can help you feel grounded and choose how you want to show up. In this episode, we explore:  - Reclaiming personal power while healing from trauma - Navigating difficult co-parenting relationships and legal proceedings - Communicating effectively and advocating for children in court - Setting boundaries and responding to persistent conflict - Building self-trust and recognizing felt safety in the body - Using grounding practices and personal reminders to feel empowered - Preparing for stressful family events and holiday interactions - Coping with time apart from children and planning supportive activities - Caring for well-being through relationships, environment, and physical needs - Exploring practical tools, sample scripts, and ways to strengthen boundaries Connect with Amy: http://podcast.thecenterforfamilyresolution.com/mamahood  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

Have you ever been praised for being the strong one, keeping the peace, or getting everything perfect—while privately feeling exhausted by the effort? Maybe you find yourself reading every mood in the room or treating a small mistake like an emergency, and wonder why it’s so hard to respond differently, even when you know the kind of mama you want to be. What if these habits aren’t simply personality traits—or proof that something is wrong with you? Some may have begun as ways to feel safe, though not every coping habit is a trauma response. In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, Emily Cleghorn explores how trauma can shape the patterns we bring into motherhood, how we respond to our children, and how we navigate healing. Together, we’ll explore: How coping habits like people-pleasing, perfectionism, and being “the strong one” may develop as ways to stay safe. Why healing doesn’t mean giving up every coping strategy or becoming perfectly regulated. How to notice what no longer serves you while meeting the version of you who survived with compassion. Because when we understand that healing is about having more choice, we can move away from shame and begin making space to try something new—without expecting ourselves to get it perfect. Your next step: Notice one coping habit that shows up for you today. Thank the part of you that learned it, then gently ask whether it still feels helpful. Ready to discover your next step toward calm and confidence? Take the Find Your Next Step to Calm and Confidence Quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

Episode Description After giving birth in February 2020, Rebekah Duvall found herself facing postpartum mental and physical health challenges just as the world shut down. I n this episode, she shares how that experience led her from a career in HR to counseling—and why she now advocates for better perinatal care. Emily Cleghorn and Rebekah discuss the isolation trauma can create, the pressure to measure yourself against your pre-motherhood self, and the support gaps that can leave new parents struggling alone. They also talk about Flora’s Walk, honoring a mother who died after postpartum psychosis, and the need for earlier, more accessible support for moms. In this episode, we explore:  - Perinatal and postpartum mental health challenges, including anxiety, OCD, and postpartum psychosis - The transition to parenthood and how it changes coping skills, identity, and daily responsibilities - Trauma-related feelings of isolation and the importance of building trust and safety - Maternal guilt, comparison, and the pressures of social media - Gaps in maternal mental health care and the need for accessible, proactive support - Awareness and advocacy for perinatal mental health, including community events and fundraising - The effects of pregnancy, birth, infertility, loss, and adoption on mental health - Finding counseling and other support for mothers during and beyond the postpartum period Connect with Rebekah:  https://rebekahduvalcounselling.com   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

Have you ever mistaken feeling numb for feeling calm? Maybe you’ve found yourself scrolling, overworking, eating, sleeping, or going quiet when you’re overwhelmed—and wondered why it’s so hard to respond differently, even when you want to feel more present in motherhood. What if these habits aren’t simply “bad” choices, but coping strategies that once helped you feel safe? In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, Emily Cleghorn explores how trauma-related coping can show up in everyday life, influence how you experience motherhood, and shape your healing journey. Together, we’ll explore: - Why distraction, overworking, emotional eating, sleeping, or going quiet may have helped you cope. - How to begin noticing the difference between rest and shutdown. - Why healing doesn’t mean shaming yourself or forcing every feeling to the surface. Because when we begin to understand the purpose behind our coping strategies, we can move away from relying on distraction as our only option and create space for more choice and support. Your next step: Pause and gently ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” Ready to discover your next step toward calm and confidence? Take the Find Your Next Step to Calm and Confidence Quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   Connect with Emily:  If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

After 27 years working with young people and 6,500 families, Dr. Jerry Weichman says one of the biggest sources of parental stress is trying to control what can’t be controlled. On Mamahood After Trauma, he shares practical ways to steady yourself: notice when stress is rising, return to the present through your senses, and turn repetitive thoughts toward actions that can help. He also explains how looking for one or two positives in a hard situation can change how you feel—and why putting energy into others can restore a sense of purpose. A grounded conversation about caring for your mental health while raising kids in an unstable world.   Connect with Dr. Jerry:  Podcast Website: https://raisingfamiliespodcast.com   Website: https://drjerryweichman.com     Instagram: @drjerryweichman   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Mamahood After Trauma Supporter- https://buymeacoffee.com/emilycleghorn Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

When a crisis finally eases, your body may seem to fall apart—sleep, digestion, pain, or energy can become harder to manage. It’s unsettling when stress may be part of the picture, but new or persistent symptoms still need proper medical evaluation. The belief that trauma explains every symptom can lead you to overlook care you need. And while fear can amplify the stress response, that doesn’t mean your symptoms are imaginary. In this episode, you’ll learn how to listen to your body without dismissing it or treating every sensation as danger—and how to make room for both medical care and nervous-system support. Emily Cleghorn explores the effects of prolonged stress on the body and offers a compassionate, balanced perspective on trauma and physical symptoms. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This episode of Mamahood After Trauma is brought to you by Lovebug Probiotics, a mom-founded probiotic brand created with families in mind. Lovebug's story began with motherhood. During the birth of her son, Hudson, co-founder Ashley Harris received broad-spectrum antibiotics. That experience led Ashley to start learning more about the gut microbiome and ultimately inspired her to create Lovebug — science-backed probiotics designed to make supporting gut health a simple part of everyday family wellness. Today, Lovebug offers probiotics for different ages and stages, with options for babies, toddlers, kids, women, and adults. Their products are designed to support digestive and immune health, with family-friendly options that can fit into everyday routines.* Emily also had the opportunity to personally try Immune Support Probiotics and especially liked Kids Probiotics  because my kids loved the taste so she didn't have to fight with them! Taking care of yourself doesn't have to mean doing everything perfectly. Sometimes it's about finding simple, sustainable ways to support yourself while you care for everyone else. Ready to find the right Lovebug for you and your family? Shop Lovebug Probiotics: https://lovebug.com/ Use code MAMAHOOD20 for 20% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Mamahood After Trauma Supporter- https://buymeacoffee.com/emilycleghorn Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

At 20, Monica’s eating disorders and suicidal thoughts led her to seek urgent help at her university counseling office. Years later, as a young mother of three, severe depression returned—and a therapist helped her see that perfectionism hadn’t disappeared; it had shifted into all-or-nothing thinking. Monica joins Emily Cleghorn to explain how she spent a decade rebuilding her life through small steps, self-compassion, and a new definition of progress. She also shares the unexpected relief of being told recovery might take a lifetime—and how, 20 years later, those once-overwhelming thoughts have become “like a little fly.” Bullet Points - Perfectionism, overachievement, and the cost of tying self-worth to outcomes - Eating disorder recovery and mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety - The impact of trauma and life experiences on perfectionistic patterns - Rebuilding identity beyond achievements, failures, and productivity - The relationship between beliefs, identity, habits, and behavior - Using awareness, self-compassion, and small attempts to support lasting change - Replacing shame and all-or-nothing thinking with patience and flexibility - The courage required to change familiar patterns and accept gradual progress - Developing sustainable habits that fit real life and interruptions - Finding support through therapy, self-help resources, and habit-building guidance   Connect with Monica:  https://stickyhabitsbook.com https://aboutprogress.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Mamahood After Trauma Supporter- https://buymeacoffee.com/emilycleghorn Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

When a coping strategy starts causing harm, it can be frightening to wonder whether you’re addicted—or simply unable to stop. In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, Emily Cleghorn looks at how trauma-related coping can show up as substance use, endless scrolling, overwork, or always being the person everyone depends on—and how motherhood can bring those patterns into sharper focus. The belief that you should be able to stop through willpower alone can deepen shame and keep you from seeking help. Emily offers a more compassionate question: What need is this behavior meeting, and what support could help meet that need in a safer way? You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to approach these patterns without judgment, when professional support may help, and when immediate care is important. Emily Cleghorn is a trauma-informed coach and host of Mamahood After Trauma, where she helps mothers understand how trauma can shape their experiences and find compassionate paths toward healing. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Mamahood After Trauma Supporter- https://buymeacoffee.com/emilycleghorn Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

After years of childhood abuse and managing seven pillboxes of medication, Thayne Martin says he now lives without them—and credits hands-on experiences that helped him rebuild connection and emotional awareness. In this candid conversation with Emily Cleghorn, he shares how a near-death experience reshaped his outlook, why a stranger’s unexpected kindness inspired his work, and what exercises like smiling at strangers or asking for help are designed to reveal. He also reflects on healing, his 35-year marriage, and the care needed to make difficult exercises feel safe. An intense, personal look at one man’s path from isolation toward connection. Bullet Points - Childhood abuse and its long-term effects on mental health, relationships, and daily life. - A personal journey through complex trauma, dissociation, mood disorders, and extensive medication use. - A near-death experience and the resulting shift in beliefs, priorities, and outlook on life. - Using neuroscience and experiential learning to support emotional regulation and healing. - Gradually rebuilding social connection through practical exercises involving smiling, compliments, gratitude, and asking for help. - The role of unconditional love and gratitude in fostering connection and positive emotional experiences. - Setting boundaries, developing empathy, and expanding social confidence through guided exercises. - Creating and delivering a card-based program, including personalized coaching and donation-based access. Connect with Thayne:  https://itspurelove.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thaynemartin/  https://www.facebook.com/thaynemartin  https://www.instagram.com/thaynemartin/  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Mamahood After Trauma Supporter- https://buymeacoffee.com/emilycleghorn Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

Many trauma-surviving mothers are haunted by the fear: "What if I become the person who hurt me?" This episode dives into the heart-wrenching moments when old patterns surface, and self-doubt takes over, making you question your ability to parent differently. But just because you recognize familiar behaviors doesn’t mean you’re doomed to repeat them. The belief that your past determines your future is a myth — you have the power to choose a new path, even when it feels impossible. In this episode, Emily promises to show you how noticing patterns is the first step to breaking them, and why striving for repair, not perfection, is what truly transforms families. She’ll guide you to see yourself not as a product of your past, but as the author of your family’s future. As a trauma survivor, mother, and certified trauma recovery coach, Emily Cleghorn brings lived experience and professional expertise to every conversation, offering compassionate, practical support for mothers on their healing journey.  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Mamahood After Trauma Supporter- https://buymeacoffee.com/emilycleghorn Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes mindfulness and children's wellness specialist Veronica Moya for an empowering conversation about healing and intentional parenting. Veronica shares how mindfulness transformed her own life and explains why children are naturally intuitive and wise — they simply need permission to trust themselves. She offers practical tools for trauma-surviving mothers, including morning affirmations, breathing exercises, gratitude practices, and creating a peaceful "quiet corner" at home. Veronica emphasizes that a mother's own mindfulness practice is the most powerful gift she can model for her children. Connect with Veronica: https://veronicamoya.com/  ------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Mamahood After Trauma Supporter- https://buymeacoffee.com/emilycleghorn Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

In this powerful episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn dives into the challenging moments when a child's tantrum or defiance unexpectedly brings up overwhelming emotions from the past. She names the specific struggle of feeling hijacked by triggers in everyday parenting, and the shame that can follow. Many believe that being triggered means they're failing as mothers or that their trauma makes them unfit to parent, but Emily challenges this belief, reminding listeners that triggers are a normal response and not a reflection of their worth or capability. Emily promises to guide listeners through understanding their triggers, offering practical strategies to respond with compassion rather than react from old wounds. As a trauma survivor, mother, and certified trauma-informed coach, Emily brings both lived experience and professional expertise to support mothers on their healing journey. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Become a Mamahood After Trauma Supporter- https://buymeacoffee.com/emilycleghorn Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

In this powerful episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes stress management coach and author Lolita Guarin, who shares her transformative journey from burnout to balance. After collapsing from stress-induced illness while chasing the American dream, Lolita discovered how hormonal differences make women's stress experiences uniquely challenging in today's testosterone-driven world. She introduces her practical CALM process — Control, Acceptance, Limit, and Multiply — offering women accessible tools to reclaim their energy, honor their feminine nature, and break free from overwhelming stress cycles. Connect with Lolita: https://www.beamazingyou.com/  ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Mamahood After Trauma Supporter- https://buymeacoffee.com/emilycleghorn Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn tackles the vulnerable moment when trauma-survivor mothers wonder if their healing journey is "enough" to be a good parent. Many believe that only those who are fully healed can provide a safe, loving environment for their children, but this belief keeps mothers stuck in shame and self-doubt. Emily challenges this myth, showing that healing is an ongoing process and that your willingness to grow is what matters most. She promises to guide you through reframing your expectations, embracing repair after mistakes, and modeling self-compassion for your children. As a trauma survivor, certified coach, and mother herself, Emily brings both lived experience and professional expertise to support you on your healing and parenting journey. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Mamahood After Trauma Supporter- https://buymeacoffee.com/emilycleghorn Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes certified parent coach Latiffe Ghanam for an honest, empowering conversation about healing while parenting. Latiffe shares her journey from a high-pressure communications career to conscious parenting, revealing how emotional stuffing and people-pleasing shaped her life and motherhood path. Together, they explore how unresolved childhood patterns trigger mom rage and guilt, and why self-awareness is the foundation of breaking cycles. With warmth and wisdom, both women remind listeners that imperfect parenting is human, repair is powerful, and extending grace to yourself is the greatest gift you can give your children. Connect with Latiffe: www.livinginprogress.com  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become a Mamahood After Trauma Supporter- https://buymeacoffee.com/emilycleghorn Take the quiz here: https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/quiz   If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with a community of women who get it, I’d love to invite you into the Rising Room—our safe space for mamas navigating healing, growth, and motherhood after trauma. Https://emilycleghorncoaching.ca/risingroom   💬 And if you’ve got a story, insight, or wisdom to share, I’m always looking for new voices for the podcast! You can connect with me on Podmatch to be a guest and share your experience with our growing community. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc