Mamahood After Trauma | Healing Childhood Trauma, Parenting Triggers & Emotional Regulation for Moms

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:

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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 abou...

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...

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 Poi...

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 s...

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 isolat...

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 t...

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 wi...

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...

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/ 

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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...

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...

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn explores the moments when motherhood unexpectedly brings old wounds and unresolved trauma to the surface, often when we least expect it—during tantrums, sleepless nights, or moments of overwhelm. She names the struggle of feeling triggered by your own child and the guilt that can follow, especially when you thought you had already healed.

Emily challenges the belief that healing is a one-time event or that "good mothers" shouldn't struggle with their past. She questions the idea that feeling triggered means you're failing as a parent, inviting listeners to see th...

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Kamy Moussavi, founder of Step Together, to explore the deep connection between childhood trauma and excess weight in children.

Kamy shares his personal journey with trauma, anxiety, and weight struggles, revealing how unhealed parental trauma silently shapes children's coping mechanisms.

Together, they unpack how survival mode prevents parents from recognizing emotional roots beneath their children's weight challenges.

This honest, compassionate conversation reminds us that lasting change begins with awareness, emotional healing, and creating safe family environments—empowering parents to break generational cycles and build healthier fu...

If everyday moments with your kids leave you unexpectedly triggered, overwhelmed, or questioning whether you're failing as a mother, you're not alone.

You may have been telling yourself that being triggered means you're doing motherhood wrong—or that the things you've survived have made you incapable of parenting differently.

But being triggered isn't proof that you're broken. It's an invitation to understand what's happening underneath the reaction.

In this episode, Emily explores what cycle-breaking actually looks like when you're parenting while healing from trauma—and why the goal isn't perfect motherhood. It's learning to r...

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Jody Hill, a parenting expert and author who transformed childhood wounds into a mission to help parents harness the superpower of intentional words.

Jody vulnerably shares her journey through emotional abandonment, performance-based self-worth, and navigating divorce while raising four young children. She reveals how shifting the language we use—with ourselves and our children—can break generational cycles.

A deeply inspiring conversation reminding mothers that healing begins within, and that our words truly shape the confident, capable children we're raising.

Connect with Jody: 
https://podca...

In this powerful final episode of her August series, Emily Cleghorn tackles one of the hardest challenges for trauma survivors: saying no.

Emily explores why "no" feels so dangerous — rooted in nervous system responses shaped by past trauma — and why we over-explain, apologize, and seek permission for our own boundaries.

She reframes saying no not as rejection, but as self-trust and self-care. With practical phrases and a weekly challenge, Emily encourages listeners to pause before responding, sit with discomfort, and stop abandoning themselves to keep others comfortable.

A deeply affirming reminder: your limits are...

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Dr. Monique Thompson, a licensed professional counselor and trauma-informed life coach with 25 years of experience.

Dr. Thompson shares her inspiring journey into trauma recovery work and offers powerful guidance for mothers healing from family-of-origin trauma.

She emphasizes building a comprehensive support team, including medical professionals, therapists, and life coaches, while exploring how understanding the nervous system can transform healing.

The conversation also highlights the importance of brain-centered self-care and practical strategies to help mothers break cycles and parent with greater calm and...

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn introduces the powerful concept of "energetic overdraft" — the exhausting cycle of giving more than you have.

Speaking directly to trauma survivors who became "the strong one," Emily explores how hyper-independence, people-pleasing, and fear of disappointing others silently drain our reserves.

With honesty and compassion, she challenges listeners to examine where they're overspending their energy and reminds them that strength doesn't require carrying everything alone.

This episode is an inspiring invitation to choose awareness, embrace rest without guilt, and begin reclaiming yourself — one small, cour...

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Ranae Van Roekel, a trauma survivor, advocate, and founder of Connecting to Cope.

Ranae courageously shares her journey from childhood sexual abuse to federal incarceration, revealing how unaddressed trauma shaped her choices. She describes how motherhood became her turning point and how embracing therapy unlocked her path to healing.

Ranae reminds listeners that healing is possible at any stage and encourages mamas to seek support without shame. She also introduces Connecting to Cope, her platform dedicated to trauma advocacy and peer support.

Connect with Ranae: 

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn explores why boundaries feel so threatening to trauma survivors.

She explains that people-pleasing is a survival strategy rooted in nervous system conditioning — not a character flaw. Emily reframes boundaries as medicine rather than selfishness, clarifying that they govern our own participation, not others' behavior.

She addresses guilt as a trauma response rather than a moral compass, and reminds mothers that modeling healthy boundaries is one of the most profound gifts they can offer their children. A practical, permission-giving episode for any mama ready to stop abandoning herself.
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In this powerful episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes J. Rosemarie Francis — mom, grandmother, author, and host of the Solo Moms Talk Podcast.

Rosemarie courageously shares how being suddenly abandoned by her husband with two young sons shattered her world, unearthing deep-rooted childhood trauma.

She opens up about her healing journey, the role of faith in her darkest moments, and how surrendering her struggles to God became her turning point.

Now 250 episodes strong, Rosemarie's podcast creates a judgment-free space for single moms to be heard. Her message is clear: you ar...

You're functioning. You're getting things done. You're taking care of everyone.

But your body is exhausted.

For many trauma survivors, survival mode becomes so normal that we stop noticing the signals telling us we've gone too far—until our bodies force us to stop.

But what if your body isn't betraying you?

What if it's been trying to protect you?

In this episode, we talk about the cost of always being the strong one, why rest can feel so uncomfortable, and how to start listening to your body's whispers be...

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Amanda Scott, author and trauma recovery advocate, who survived 17 years in an abusive marriage.

Amanda shares her deeply personal journey of recognizing hidden forms of abuse — emotional, financial, and spiritual — and how self-doubt kept her trapped.

She outlines key warning signs, emphasizing that abuse doesn't require physical violence to be real. Amanda's core message is both clear and inspiring: healing begins the moment you decide you deserve better.

Her story is a testament to resilience, self-respect, and the transformative power of choosing yourself.

Conn...

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn explores how trauma reshapes self-perception and buries the truest parts of who we are.

She gently guides mothers to look beyond survival mode and reconnect with the creativity, confidence, and joy they once knew. Emily reminds listeners that healing isn't about becoming someone new — it's about returning to yourself.

She invites mothers to join The Rising Room, a supportive community for continued growth, and encourages them to take her free quiz to discover their next step toward calmer, more confident motherhood.

Take the quiz he...

In this empowering episode, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Antoinette Elliott, mother and owner of ALC Elite Childcare in Suncrest, Georgia.

Antoinette shares how her personal experience of isolation as a new mother inspired her to create a family-based childcare center offering flexible scheduling from 6:30 a.m. to midnight.

She discusses her staff's specialized crisis prevention training, the importance of guilt-free self-care, and practical advice for finding compassionate childcare. Antoinette reminds mothers that prioritizing their wellbeing ultimately makes them better parents — because you cannot pour from an empty cup.

Connect with Antoinette: https://aocelitechildcare.co...

In this powerful episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn speaks directly to mothers navigating the intersection of trauma recovery and parenthood.

Emily explores the concept of "identity whiplash"—the disorienting experience of becoming someone new while still carrying old patterns and responsibilities. She reminds listeners that feeling caught between two versions of yourself isn't failure; it's where real transformation happens.

Emily also introduces The Rising Room, a supportive community where healing is actively practiced. A free quiz, Find Your Next Step to Calm and Healing, is available to help mothers identify their next st...

In this powerful episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Paula Yost — attorney, therapist, mother, and author — who shares her courageous journey through pregnancy trauma.

Paula recounts the terrifying experience of delivering her son prematurely at 27 weeks due to acute preeclampsia, navigating a lengthy NICU stay, and healing from the emotional aftermath. She emphasizes the critical lack of education around preeclampsia and the lasting impact of birth trauma.

Now a thriving ten-year-old, her son stands as living proof that hope and resilience can emerge from even the darkest moments.

Connect with Paul...

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn explores one of healing's most overlooked challenges — grieving the person you once were.

Emily compassionately unpacks why letting go of a past self can feel confusing, even painful, reminding listeners that missing the "old you" often means missing pieces like joy, confidence, and freedom. She encourages mothers to honor that former version of themselves while courageously choosing to move forward.

Emily also highlights two supportive resources: a free healing quiz and the Rising Room community, designed to help trauma survivors rebuild with clarity and peace.

In this inspiring episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes life coach Emily Beacher, who shares her profound healing journey through postnatal depression, psychosis, and burnout.

Emily discusses discovering her own ADHD diagnosis alongside her daughter's, the transformative power of embracing "good enough" parenting over perfectionism, and how authentic storytelling shaped her coaching work.

She even channelled her experiences into writing a musical, The Good Enough Moms Club. With practical wisdom on silencing negative self-talk and showing up authentically for our children, this episode is a powerful reminder that imperfection is where real...

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn explores one of healing's most profound challenges: identity reconstruction.

Emily vulnerably shares how early childhood trauma left her unsure of who she was beyond survival, and guides listeners through the disorienting "middle space" of healing — where the old self no longer fits, but the new self hasn't fully emerged.

She encourages mothers to reconnect with lost parts of themselves through powerful reflective questions.

Emily also shares updates about community support and introduces The Rising Room, her healing community for mothers navigating trauma recovery an...

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes trauma recovery expert Tori Janae, who shares her remarkable journey from a childhood shaped by addiction and generational trauma to becoming a beacon of healing.

Drawing on three psychology degrees and 26 years of holistic practice, Tori reveals how shifting out of a victim mindset is the essential first step toward transformation.

She offers practical, compassionate guidance on addressing physical, mental, and relational wounds — one small step at a time — proving that our deepest pain can become our greatest purpose.

Connect with Tori: https://www.torijenae.com...

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn — trauma survivor and cycle breaker — tackles the relentless self-doubt that haunts mothers healing from trauma.

She explores how past emotional invalidation and gaslighting erode self-trust, making everyday parenting decisions feel overwhelming. Emily reassures listeners that healing doesn't require perfection; rebuilding trust happens through small, intentional steps like recognizing triggers, repairing relationships, and reflecting without shame.

She shares encouraging signs of growth and introduces The Rising Room, her program supporting trauma-surviving mothers. Her closing message is clear: you don't need to be perfect to be a safe, loving mother.
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In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Joni Woods — trauma survivor, single mother, and author — for an honest and uplifting conversation about healing and self-discovery.

Joni shares her journey through a difficult 15-year marriage, divorce, and rebuilding life after her ex-husband's passing. She opens up about breaking free from others' expectations, finding her authentic voice, and the transformative power of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and accountability.

Through journaling and deep self-reflection, Joni turned pain into purpose — ultimately becoming a stronger mother and advocate for her own healing.

Connect with Joni: http...

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn dismantles the damaging myth that cycle breakers must be fully healed before they can raise healthy children.

With honesty and compassion, Emily reframes what breaking cycles truly means — not perfection, but intentionality. She walks listeners through practical steps including repairing after ruptures, learning emotional regulation, setting boundaries, and challenging inherited beliefs.

Emily reminds trauma-surviving mamas that they are not behind — they are doing courageous, generational work. She also invites listeners to join The Rising Room, a community built to support mamas healing and parenting differently, together.

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Jessica Danel, whose journey through motherhood reads like a testament to unbreakable resilience.

Jessica candidly shares navigating her daughter Piper's heart surgery, cerebral palsy, and autism diagnosis, her son's Asperger's, the devastating loss of her million-dollar preschool business, and surviving a high school shooting.

Rather than surrendering to adversity, Jessica pursued her bachelor's and master's degrees, built a media career, and channeled her extraordinary life experiences into her book, Bucket List from a Redneck Girl — proving that even the most turbulent stories can inspire others to keep mo...

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn explores how unresolved trauma shapes the lens through which mothers perceive their children's behavior.

She explains that trauma-wired brains often assign negative meanings to neutral situations — interpreting independence as rejection or meltdowns as disrespect.

Emily introduces a transformative tool: distinguishing between observation and interpretation. By asking "What is actually happening?" versus "What meaning am I assigning?", mothers can shift from reactive parenting to compassionate connection.

A reminder that healing isn't about perfection — it's about perspective.

Join the Rising Room here: https://coaching.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/risi...

In this empowering episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes physician and digital wellbeing researcher Dr. Sanjita Setia for a vital conversation about navigating technology as trauma-surviving mothers.

Dr. Setia reframes children's technology struggles not as "addiction" but as manipulation by intentionally designed platforms — relieving parents of unnecessary guilt. She offers practical strategies, including "phone parking" at night, family device sunsets, and prioritizing quality over quantity of screen time.

Most powerfully, she encourages open, vulnerable communication with children about technology's influence, fostering critical thinking and deeper family connection.

A truly transformative ep...

In this powerful episode, host Emily Cleghorn — trauma survivor and cycle breaker — tackles one of the most painful realizations in parenting after trauma: unconsciously repeating the very patterns we promised to leave behind.

Emily explains how trauma responses are rooted in the nervous system, not broken by willpower alone. She offers a compassionate, four-step pattern interruption practice to help mamas notice triggers, get curious, and choose differently — one small moment at a time.

She also invites listeners to join The Rising Room community and take a free healing quiz. Mend the past so you can mama i...

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, host Emily Cleghorn welcomes Jenny C. Cohen, a women's wellness expert whose path was shaped by infertility, her husband's cancer, endometriosis, breast cancer, and parenting children through trauma and gender transition.

Jenny shares how these profound challenges led her to help women over 40 reconnect with their bodies during perimenopause and menopause.

Through movement, play, and body awareness, she guides women to rediscover themselves beyond survival mode. Her accessible Move to Bloom program empowers women to heal from the inside out — reclaiming presence, intuition, and joy.

Connect wi...