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Welcome back to another episode of the Post Traumatic Podcast! For today’s episode, I invited another special guest, Sarah Hoover—the author of the book Motherload, who will share her raw and honest birth trauma story and how it redefined her motherhood journey.
We’ll talk about the unspoken challenges of postpartum depression and the societal pressures that often leave new mothers feeling isolated. Sarah will open up about her personal struggles, revealing the vulnerability and courage it took to confront her own truths. We’ll discuss the importance of empathy and trauma-informed care in transforming the childbirth experience, and why sharing these stories is crucial for breaking the cycle of shame and silence.
This conversation is not just about motherhood; it’s about understanding the profound impact of birth trauma on our lives and the power of speaking our truths. Tune in to hear Sarah’s story and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of motherhood in today’s world.
More about Sarah Hoover:
Sarah Hoover is an essayist and cultural octopus with hands in many realms — the art, fashion, food, dance and literary worlds, for starters. Her debut memoir, The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood, is the January 2025 Belletrist Book Club pick, and is now available everywhere you buy books! In The Motherload, Hoover provides a candid and propulsive look at the journey women undertake as expectant mothers and wives from the early days of pregnancy through labor and beyond. Described by Oprah Daily as “…a long overdue reality check,” The Motherload is a darkly funny, raw, and radical takedown of the ideal of the maternal.
Topics covered on Birth Trauma Story:
- Sarah’s birth trauma story and the hidden challenges of motherhood that she revealed in her book.
- How does trauma influence maternal instincts and the parenting journey?
- Why is the myth of instant maternal love a disservice to new mothers?
- How can empathy and trauma-informed care transform the childbirth experience?
- What role does societal pressure play in shaping a mother’s mental health?
- The long-term effects of postpartum depression on both mothers and their families.
- How can mothers advocate for themselves in a medical system that often overlooks trauma?
- Why is it crucial for healthcare providers to understand and address trauma in their practice?
Connect with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz:
- Website: www.drrobynkoslowitz.com
- Post Traumatic Parenting Guidebook
- Come say hi on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
- Email: targetedparenting@gmail.com
Connect with Sarah Hoover:
- Book: The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood
- Instagram: @sarahhoov
Resources from this episode:
- YouTube channel: Post Traumatic Parenting
More about Post Traumatic Parenting:
“How can I give my kids a normal childhood, when mine was anything but?” Post-Traumatic Parenting is the podcast for anyone who has ever asked themselves that question. Robyn Koslowitz, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and Post-Traumatic Parent, combines the fields of post-traumatic recovery and growth with our best understanding of how to raise Little Humans. Through interviews with experts in the fields of behavior science, psychology, trauma, and child development, as well as interviews with toy developers, children’s book authors, and anyone else who makes childhood a delight, Dr. Koslowitz explores how trauma impacts our parenting, and how to hack our traumas into superpowers and super-parenting.
Each week, Dr. Koslowitz unpacks how to survive and thrive as a Post-Traumatic Parent. She shares behind-the-scenes insights into the research that underlies what we know about parenting, child development, and trauma recovery. Each podcast provides actionable tips about how to transform our Post-Traumatic Parenting and how to turn our parenting journey into a post-traumatic growth experience. Dr. Koslowitz interviews some of the famous names in these fields, and some experts you’ve never heard of (but should have!). Ready to go from survivor to thriver? Ready to become the parent you’ve always dreamed of being? Join us!