# Episode 457 Birth Trauma Therapist Ashley Ward, LPCC + Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-vbac-link-743493/episode-457-birth-trauma-therapist-ashley-ward-lpcc-maternal-mental-health-awareness-month
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-vbac-link-743493/episode-457-birth-trauma-therapist-ashley-ward-lpcc-maternal-mental-health-awareness-month.md
Podcast: [The VBAC Link](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-vbac-link-743493)
Published: 2026-05-20T13:30:27+00:00
Episode link: https://thevbaclink.com/
Audio file: https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/1219d3d0-54ab-49ff-bbd9-70e1bfb8f5fb/stream.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-vbac-link-743493/episodes/episode-457-birth-trauma-therapist-ashley-ward-lpcc-maternal-mental-health-awareness-month
Duration seconds: 4667

## Resource

May is Maternal Health Awareness Month, and at The VBAC Link, we deeply believe that maternal health is so much more than physical well being. We recognize the complexity of every birth experience, and for those struggling, we send our love, solidarity, and support. In this HIGHLY anticipated episode, Lily and Paige sit down with birth trauma therapist Ashley Ward, LPCC about what trauma is, the many different ways it can present itself, and where to find healing. They talk about the culture of “ranking” birth stories and normalize the experience of feeling icky about a birth story, even if everything seemed perfect on paper. Ashley also shares her personal experiences with birth trauma in her most traumatic birth that appeared to be picture-perfect at a birth center. Her perspective gives both clinical insight and validation for experiences that are often minimized or misunderstood. Ashley believes that sharing birth stories matters, and they deserve a witness. In a world where shame can become the loudest voice in the room and birth conversations can split into divisive binaries, she aims to bring nuance, compassion, and dignity-informed care into the perinatal space. Birth does not happen in a vacuum, and Ashley beautifully reminds us that every birth is part of a larger story, one that existed before labor began and continues long after delivery. Topics include: What a panic attack can feel like The definition of trauma Birth trauma vs. medical trauma Ranking birth stories as “better” or “worse” Feeling unsettled by your birth story Radical acceptance Grieving things you may never experience Body acceptance Postpartum mental health Birth story processing Shame Finding joy Signs that you need professional help Keywords: birth trauma, healing, postpartum, VBAC, CBAC,…

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## Transcript

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