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In this latest episode of Quiet Confessions, Chelsea shares their experience navigating “traumaversary season”—the string of dates that mark some of the most painful and traumatic events of their postpartum journey. From a scheduled C-section that spiraled into postpartum hemorrhage, to multiple psychiatric hospitalizations, and a later brain hemorrhage caused by a pituitary tumor, Chelsea opens up about what it means to survive these anniversaries year after year.
This episode isn’t about silver linings; it’s about truth, survival, and holding space for the messy and painful parts of healing. Whether you’ve experienced perinatal Trauma, Mental Health struggles, or just know the sting of an unwanted anniversary, this one’s for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Traumaversaries—trauma anniversaries—can bring up intense Emotions, especially in the perinatal mental Health space.
- Chelsea shares their own timeline of trauma, including a traumatic C-section, hemorrhage, and multiple hospitalizations.
- They speak candidly about surviving postpartum mental illness without romanticizing the journey.
- There’s no need to find a “silver lining” in trauma—sometimes it just sucks, and that’s valid.
- Community and tools can help make each year more manageable, even if it doesn’t get easier.
Sound Bites:
- “Every year, I wouldn’t say it necessarily gets easier, but I gain more tools to navigate the traumaversaries.”
- “I don’t believe these things happen to teach us a lesson. Sometimes things just happen, and they suck.”
- “I was bleeding out on my bathroom floor. And then I was treated inhumanely by people who were supposed to care.”
- “Would I go through what I went through again? Absolutely not. But I wouldn’t trade my children for anything.”
- “You didn’t deserve what happened to you. And neither did I. That truth matters.”
This episode discusses topics that may be triggering for some individuals. Please check the show notes for more information and be mindful of your own mental health and comfort levels.
Real moms. Real talk. Zero sugarcoating.
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Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection
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Chelsea is a nonbinary, disabled/chronically ill stay-at-home parent. As a passionate advocate for those too often unheard, Chelsea is always eager to dive into honest and open conversations with other moms about the messy, challenging, and unexpected realities of parenthood. Chelsea hosts Quiet Connection: Postpartum Mental Health podcast and is a panel member on the Odd Moms On Call podcast.
Chelsea worked for 10 years in intensive-needs special Education and is still passionate about advocating for neurodiverse families. They also volunteer at a pediatric oncology camp as the planner & facilitator of their quarterly playgroup, serving the families of their youngest campers.
