Ep. 26 Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Birth Trauma to Improve Parenting and Sleep

crying mental health parenthood parenting

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 6 out of every 100 people in the United States will experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives.

For parents, birth trauma can be a particularly significant form of PTSD, with studies showing that 30-45% of women experience some form of trauma during childbirth. Trauma can activate the nervous system, keeping parents in a heightened state of alertness, often called "hypervigilance," which makes it difficult for them to relax and fall asleep.

In this episode I interview psychologist Vanessa Roddenberry with Breyta Psychological Services who specializes in trauma and insomnia. Vanessa shares her journey into trauma psychology, describing how trauma—especially birth trauma—can disrupt sleep, parenting, and overall well-being.

Vanessa discusses how trauma triggers the nervous system, making it difficult for parents to remain calm and manage their emotions, particularly when their child is crying. She offers practical advice on how to ground yourself during moments of stress, using sensory grounding exercises to stay present and calm.

The conversation also explores cognitive behavioral therapy, an evidence-based approach that helps individuals process trauma in 12 sessions. Vanessa emphasizes the importance of recognizing trauma, seeking help, and using effective tools to overcome the emotional challenges it presents, especially in the context of parenting.

This episode empowers parents to acknowledge trauma and use healing practices to improve sleep routines and create a more peaceful home environment.

Vanessa explains that trauma triggers the body's "fight or flight" response, causing parents to feel constantly on edge, especially when faced with their baby’s crying or stress.

Unresolved trauma often manifests in disrupted sleep patterns, both for parents and their children. This constant "fight or flight" mode makes it difficult to relax and fall asleep, which creates a cycle of stress and sleep deprivation. Addressing trauma and using calming techniques like grounding exercises can significantly improve sleep quality, helping both parents and children find rest and peace.

Key Loving Lessons Learned in this episode:

🟣 The impact of unresolved trauma, including birth trauma, on sleep and parenting.

🟣 Practical grounding techniques to manage stress responses.

🟣 The benefits of cognitive processing therapy in treating trauma.

🟣 The importance of recognizing trauma and seeking help for healing.

🟣 How emotional well-being is key to creating a more restful home environment.

Resources mentioned to help you keep learning & growing:

⭐ Vanessa Roddenberry with Breyta Psychological Services

⭐ Recognizing PTSD & When to Seek Help

⭐ Restful Nights: Managing Sleep During Life Adjustments

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