Navigating PTSD Triggers as a Mom: Understanding, Coping, and Communicating with Compassion
Motherhood is often described as one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences in life, but for moms living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it can also be one of the most overwhelming. Parenting is already a physically and emotionally demanding journey, but when you carry the weight of past trauma, every day can feel like a battle between your love for your child and the deep, involuntary responses of your nervous system.
If you are a mom with PTSD, I want you to know that you are not alone.
Maybe you thought you had moved past your trauma—until you had a baby, and suddenly, the crying, the sleepless nights, the constant touching, and the unpredictability started to bring up emotions you weren’t prepared for. Maybe you never expected to feel unsafe in safe moments or to have certain sounds, smells, or situations pull you back into a past you don’t want to relive.
Maybe you’ve even felt guilt or shame for reacting to everyday parenting moments in ways that others don’t seem to struggle with. Maybe you’ve questioned, Why does this bother me so much? Why can’t I just be present with my child? Why does my body react like I’m in danger when I know I’m safe?
The truth is, PTSD doesn’t go away just because we wish it would. It lingers in the background, shaping our reactions, our emotions, and sometimes even our relationships. But it does not have to define you as a mother.
Why Motherhood Can Trigger PTSD
Even if you have spent years healing, becoming a mother can stir up trauma responses in unexpected ways. This is because parenting is an all-consuming experience—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Some of the most common challenges in motherhood—lack of sleep, overstimulation, loss of control, constant physical contact—are the same things that can trigger PTSD symptoms.
If your trauma involved:
Feeling powerless, then moments when your child is uncontrollable or when things don’t go as planned might make you feel panicked.
Unwanted physical touch, then the never-ending closeness of motherhood (breastfeeding, carrying, co-sleeping) might feel overwhelming.
Loud noises or yelling, then the crying and tantrums of young children might make your heart race in ways you can’t explain.
Medical trauma or sexual violence, then postpartum exams, childbirth experiences, or even intimacy with your partner might feel triggering.
These reactions are not weaknesses. They are your body’s survival system trying to protect you from something that is no longer happening.
Understanding how your triggers work—and learning how to communicate your needs—can help you regain control over your responses and create a home where both you and your child feel safe.
You Are Not a Bad Mom for Having PTSD
Let’s get one thing straight right now: PTSD does not make you a bad mom.
You can be both a loving, devoted mother and a woman who is healing from past trauma. The fact that you are here, reading this, means you are actively working toward being the best version of yourself for your child. That alone is something to be proud of.
There is no shame in struggling. There is no shame in needing help. There is no shame in saying, This is hard for me.
And most importantly, you are not alone.
There are so many moms navigating this same path—learning how to parent while also managing trauma, learning how to respond rather than react, learning how to create a peaceful environment for their child while also figuring out how to create peace within themselves.
If that’s you, I want you to know: You are doing better than you think.
What This Blog Will Cover
In this guide, we will break down three essential steps to managing PTSD triggers in motherhood:
Identifying Your Triggers – Understanding what sets off your PTSD responses, recognizing patterns, and learning to anticipate difficult moments before they overwhelm you.
Communicating Your Needs – Setting boundaries with your partner, family, and even your child in a way that protects your mental health while also fostering connection and understanding.
Coping When Triggers Happen – Practical techniques for grounding yourself, managing emotional overwhelm, and finding ways to regulate your nervous system when you feel triggered.
These steps are not about avoiding life’s challenges or pretending PTSD doesn’t exist. They are about giving yourself tools to navigate motherhood with confidence and self-compassion.
This is your journey, and healing is possible.
Let’s take this step together.
Understanding PTSD Triggers in Motherhood
PTSD is not just something that lives in the past—it follows you into the present, often in ways you don’t expect. Triggers are reminders of trauma, and they can appear at any moment, sending your nervous system into a state of hyperarousal, panic, or emotional shutdown.
What makes PTSD particularly difficult in motherhood is that parenting itself is full of unpredictability. There are moments of joy, but also moments of overstimulation, exhaustion, frustration, and feeling out of control. If you are a mom living with PTSD, you may find that the very things that make motherhood what it is—constant touching, loud noises, interrupted sleep, medical visits—are also things that set off trauma responses.
Why Do Triggers Happen?
PTSD lives in the nervous system, not just in your thoughts. When you experience trauma, your brain encodes the event in a way that prioritizes survival. Instead of processing the memory as something that happened in the past, your body stores it as something that could happen again at any moment.
So when you encounter a trigger—whether it’s a certain sound, smell, or situation—your body reacts as if you are back in the moment of trauma. Your heart races, your breathing becomes shallow, your muscles tense, and your mind starts searching for an escape, even if you are completely safe.
The challenge of motherhood is that many PTSD triggers are unavoidable. You cannot stop your baby from crying. You cannot always control when you are touched. You cannot prevent moments of chaos. And that is why learning to recognize and work through your triggers is so important.
Common PTSD Triggers in Motherhood
While triggers are deeply personal and can vary from person to person, there are some that many moms with PTSD find themselves facing.
Loud Noises – A baby’s cry, a toddler’s tantrum, or even the constant chatter of multiple children can feel overwhelming. If your trauma involved yelling, distressing noises, or being unable to escape a chaotic situation, these sounds can send your nervous system into a fight-or-flight response.
Being Constantly Touched – If your trauma involved unwanted physical contact, the experience of having a baby or child constantly needing to be held, fed, or comforted can feel suffocating. Even though the touch is innocent and loving, your body might still react with tension, anxiety, or an intense need to pull away.
Feeling Out of Control – Children are unpredictable, and for a mom with PTSD, moments when things feel out of control—whether it’s a toddler refusing to cooperate, an unexpected change of plans, or a situation where you feel powerless—can bring up deep feelings of distress. If your trauma involved a loss of control over your own body or circumstances, these moments may feel triggering.
Sleep Deprivation – Lack of sleep can make PTSD symptoms worse because exhaustion lowers your ability to regulate emotions. You might find yourself more reactive, more anxious, or more easily triggered simply because your body is running on empty.
Medical Appointments and Birth Trauma – If you’ve experienced sexual assault, medical trauma, or a difficult birth, doctor visits can be incredibly triggering. Something as routine as a postpartum checkup or even a well-baby visit for your child can bring up feelings of vulnerability, fear, or helplessness.
Certain Smells or Sounds – Trauma imprints on the senses. A familiar cologne, a phrase someone says, the way a certain song plays in the background—these small sensory cues can pull you back into a traumatic memory before you even realize what’s happening.
Sexual Intimacy – Many moms with PTSD, particularly survivors of sexual assault, struggle with intimacy after childbirth. The physical changes, the exhaustion, and the feeling of having had no control over their body during pregnancy and birth can make intimacy feel overwhelming or even triggering.
How PTSD Triggers Can Affect Your Parenting
Being triggered as a mom doesn’t just affect you—it affects how you show up for your child. When a trigger happens, you might find yourself:
Feeling emotionally distant or disconnected from your child.
Becoming easily irritated, snapping, or having a short fuse.
Shutting down completely, feeling numb or detached.
Struggling with physical touch, even when your child needs comfort.
Feeling trapped, suffocated, or desperate for space.
If you’ve ever felt these things and then been consumed by guilt, please know that you are not a bad mom. PTSD is not something you chose, and your reactions are not a reflection of your love for your child.
The good news is that PTSD triggers can be managed. The more you understand them, the more you can create a plan to navigate them when they arise. Triggers do not have to control your motherhood, and with time, self-awareness, and support, you can begin to regain control over your reactions.
Step 1: Identifying Your Triggers
Understanding your PTSD triggers is the first step in taking back control of your emotional and physical responses. When you can recognize the situations, sounds, or sensations that set off your fight-or-flight reaction, you give yourself the ability to pause, assess, and work through them instead of being blindsided.
If you’ve ever felt a sudden wave of panic, anger, or emotional shutdown without understanding why, chances are, you’ve encountered a trigger. Triggers are not always obvious. Sometimes they are loud and clear, but other times, they creep in through small details—an unexpected touch, a change in tone, a familiar scent. The more you observe and track these experiences, the better prepared you will be to handle them.
Why It’s Important to Identify Your Triggers
When a trigger catches you off guard, it can feel like you’re right back in the trauma itself. Your heart races, your chest tightens, your mind scrambles for safety, and your body tenses as if preparing to run or fight. This is your nervous system responding to a perceived threat—except that in reality, you may be completely safe.
As a mom, this can be incredibly difficult. PTSD triggers can interfere with your ability to be present with your child. You might feel overwhelmed by the noise, irritated by constant touch, or anxious when things feel out of control. If you don’t know what is triggering these feelings, it’s easy to fall into cycles of guilt, thinking, Why am I reacting this way? Why can’t I just handle this like other moms do?
But you are not failing. Your body is simply responding in the way it was wired to keep you safe. The key is to start recognizing when and why it happens so that you can respond with intention rather than instinct.
How to Identify Your PTSD Triggers
Track Your Emotional Reactions
Pay close attention to the moments when you feel overwhelmed, anxious, panicked, or emotionally shut down.What was happening right before you felt this way?
What did you hear, see, smell, or feel?
Did someone say something that made you uncomfortable?
Did your child’s behavior remind you of something from your past?
Was there a sudden change in your environment?
Keeping a simple log—whether in a journal or a notes app—can help you recognize patterns over time. Even just jotting down, “Felt anxious when my baby cried for more than a few minutes” or “Heart started racing when my toddler threw a tantrum” can give you valuable insight.
Notice Your Body’s Signals
PTSD often shows up physically before you even realize what’s happening emotionally. Some common signs of being triggered include:Racing heart
Sudden dizziness or nausea
Feeling frozen or unable to move
Becoming very tense, especially in the shoulders and jaw
Feeling like you need to run or escape the situation
Trouble breathing or feeling like the air is too thick
A sudden sense of dread or panic
When you notice these symptoms, pause and ask yourself: What just happened? Your body is giving you information. The more you listen to it, the better you will be at recognizing your triggers early.
Reflect on Past Trauma
Sometimes, triggers are linked to very specific moments from our past—things that made us feel unsafe, powerless, or violated.Did your trauma involve being yelled at or criticized? If so, loud voices might trigger you.
Did your trauma involve physical touch that you didn’t want? If so, being touched unexpectedly might feel suffocating.
Did your trauma involve a time when you felt unheard or dismissed? If so, being ignored by a loved one might be extremely upsetting.
You do not have to relive your trauma to identify your triggers. Simply acknowledging that certain elements of your past are resurfacing in these moments can help you make sense of your reactions.
Pay Attention to Patterns in Your Daily Life
Over time, you might start to notice that specific situations repeatedly cause stress. Some examples:Mornings are especially hard – Maybe the transition from sleep to chaos is overwhelming.
You feel most triggered at bedtime – Maybe the lack of control over your child’s routine makes you anxious.
Certain people make you uncomfortable – Maybe their tone, body language, or energy reminds you of someone from your past.
These patterns are clues. The more you recognize them, the more you can plan ahead to manage them.
What If You Can’t Identify Your Triggers?
If you’re struggling to pinpoint what is setting off your PTSD symptoms, don’t be discouraged. Some triggers are deeply buried in the subconscious, and it may take time for them to reveal themselves.
Here’s what you can do in the meantime:
Instead of trying to figure out why you’re triggered in the moment, focus on what helps you feel safe again.
Keep a general journal of what days feel harder and what days feel easier—over time, the differences may help you see patterns.
If possible, work with a therapist or join a support group to explore your triggers in a safe space.
There is no rush. Healing is a process, and awareness is the first step.
What Happens Next?
Once you start identifying your triggers, the next step is learning how to communicate them in a way that helps you and the people around you create a more supportive environment. This does not mean avoiding life’s challenges, but rather, equipping yourself with tools to navigate them with greater understanding and self-compassion.
PTSD triggers can feel unpredictable and overwhelming, but they do not have to control your motherhood. With awareness and practice, you can regain power over your responses and create a home environment that supports both your healing and your relationship with your child.
Would you like me to include strategies for self-regulation once a trigger has been identified? Let me know if you want more depth in any specific area.
Step 2: Communicating Your Triggers
Once you begin to recognize your PTSD triggers, the next step is learning how to communicate them effectively. Many moms struggle with this because PTSD often carries a sense of shame, guilt, or self-doubt—as if we should just be able to "push through" or "deal with it" on our own.
But the truth is, healing happens in relationships—with your child, your partner (if you have one), your support system, and most importantly, with yourself. Communicating your triggers is not about making excuses—it’s about advocating for your mental and emotional well-being. It’s about creating a space where you can feel safe and parent from a place of stability rather than stress.
That said, talking about triggers can feel vulnerable. It requires honesty—not just with others, but with yourself. It also means setting boundaries, which can be difficult if you have a history of trauma where your boundaries weren’t respected. But the more you practice, the easier it becomes.
1. Give Yourself Permission to Have Boundaries
Many moms struggle with guilt when they need space or when they feel overwhelmed by their child’s needs. But you cannot pour from an empty cup. If you are constantly operating from a place of emotional overload, your ability to parent with patience and presence is diminished.
It is okay to say:
“I need a few minutes to reset before I can respond.”
“I love you, but I need some space right now.”
“I know you want to cuddle, but Mommy is feeling overwhelmed. Let’s sit next to each other instead.”
If your trauma involved situations where you weren’t allowed to say no—whether it was physical, emotional, or psychological—it might feel unnatural or even scary to set boundaries. But practicing this with your child teaches them self-respect, emotional awareness, and the ability to advocate for themselves as they grow.
2. Talk to Your Partner, Family, or Friends
If you have a partner, co-parent, or close loved ones, letting them know about your triggers can help them support you better. You do not have to share every detail of your trauma. Instead, focus on how they can help you in the present moment when a trigger arises.
Examples of communicating with a partner:
“When I hear loud yelling, I feel extremely anxious. If you see me getting overwhelmed, can you step in and help calm things down?”
“I sometimes need space after an emotional conversation. If I walk away, it’s not because I don’t care—I just need to collect myself.”
“Unexpected touch can be hard for me. If you need to touch me, can you just give me a heads-up first?”
Examples of communicating with family and friends:
“There are certain topics that are difficult for me to talk about. If I change the subject, please respect that.”
“When I get overstimulated, I need a quiet space to reset. If I step away at a gathering, it’s nothing personal.”
“Please don’t comment on my parenting choices. I am doing what works for me.”
If you come from a background where your emotions were dismissed or ignored, you might worry about being seen as “too sensitive.” But your feelings are valid. Your experiences matter. You are not asking for special treatment—you are asking for respect.
3. Explain to Your Children (Age-Appropriately)
One of the most difficult parts of PTSD as a mom is feeling like your child is being affected by your struggles. But here’s the thing—kids don’t need perfect moms. They need present, self-aware moms.
If your child is young, you don’t have to explain PTSD in detail, but you can help them understand your emotional needs in a simple way.
For toddlers and preschoolers:
“Mommy is feeling a little tired. I need some quiet time before we play again.”
“I love hugs, but sometimes I need space. Let’s do a high-five instead.”
“When Mommy takes deep breaths, it means she needs a moment to feel calm.”
For school-aged children:
“Sometimes loud noises make me feel stressed. If you see me taking deep breaths, that means I’m calming myself down.”
“When I feel overwhelmed, I like to take a quiet break. You can help by playing in your room for a little while.”
“If I seem upset, it’s not because of you. I just need a moment to feel better.”
Teaching your children about emotions and self-regulation not only helps you but also gives them a healthy model for expressing their own feelings. You are showing them that it is okay to need space, to set boundaries, and to take care of their mental health.
4. Prepare for Resistance or Misunderstanding
Not everyone will understand PTSD. Some people might dismiss your triggers as being "too sensitive" or “dramatic.” Others may not believe in the impact of trauma, especially if they come from a background where emotions were not openly discussed.
When someone reacts dismissively, remember:
You are not responsible for their understanding—you are responsible for protecting your peace.
You do not have to justify your trauma to anyone.
You are allowed to set boundaries, even if others don’t like them.
If someone is unwilling to respect your needs, you have every right to limit their involvement in your life. Your healing is more important than their approval.
5. Be Honest with Yourself About What You Need
Sometimes, the hardest person to communicate with is yourself. We tell ourselves:
“I should be able to handle this.”
“I don’t want to inconvenience anyone.”
“Maybe I’m just overreacting.”
But healing cannot happen if you continue to suppress your own needs.
Ask yourself:
“What do I need right now?”
“How can I ask for help in a way that feels safe?”
“What small step can I take to make this situation easier?”
When you begin communicating with yourself in a more compassionate way, it becomes easier to communicate with others.
What If You Feel Like You Can’t Speak Up?
If you have a history of trauma where speaking up led to punishment, rejection, or danger, advocating for yourself can feel terrifying. In those cases, practice starting small:
Write down what you wish you could say, even if you don’t say it out loud yet.
Practice saying your boundaries in front of a mirror.
If direct conversation feels too hard, consider writing a letter or text.
Remind yourself that setting boundaries is not selfish—it is an act of self-respect.
Healing does not mean forcing yourself into uncomfortable conversations before you’re ready. It means gradually building confidence in your ability to advocate for your own well-being.
What Happens Next?
Once you begin identifying and communicating your triggers, the next step is learning how to cope when they happen. Because no matter how much you prepare, triggers will still arise—but with the right tools, you can handle them with more confidence, self-compassion, and control.
You do not have to suffer in silence. You deserve to be heard, supported, and respected.
Would you like me to expand on specific communication strategies, or would you like to move into coping techniques for when a trigger happens? Let me know how I can make this more helpful for you.
Step 3: Coping When Triggers Happen
Even with self-awareness and clear communication, PTSD triggers will still happen. And when they do, it’s important to have a plan in place to help you regain control, calm your nervous system, and move forward without shame or guilt.
Triggers can come out of nowhere—maybe your child screams in a way that reminds you of a traumatic moment, or someone’s touch, tone, or smell unexpectedly pulls you back into the past. In those moments, it might feel like your body is betraying you, like you have no choice but to freeze, lash out, or shut down.
But here’s the truth: You are not powerless.
While you can’t always stop a trigger from happening, you can control how you respond to it. The more you practice calming techniques and grounding yourself in the present, the easier it will become to manage triggers when they arise.
1. Ground Yourself in the Present Moment
When PTSD is triggered, your body reacts as if the trauma is happening right now. Your heart races, your muscles tense, and your brain goes into fight, flight, freeze, or fawn mode. The goal in these moments is to bring yourself back to reality—to remind your nervous system that you are safe.
Here are some grounding techniques you can use when you feel triggered:
5-4-3-2-1 Method
Name 5 things you can see (the color of the walls, the toy on the floor, your hands, etc.).
Name 4 things you can touch (the fabric of your clothes, the texture of a blanket, the coolness of a glass of water).
Name 3 things you can hear (birds outside, your child playing, distant traffic).
Name 2 things you can smell (soap on your hands, fresh laundry, coffee in the air).
Name 1 thing you can taste (gum, a sip of tea, your breath).
This technique helps pull you out of your trauma response and back into your body.
Deep Breathing (4-7-8 Method)
Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds.
Hold the breath for 7 seconds.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds.
Repeat this until you feel your body start to relax.
Hold a Cold Object
Ice, a cold washcloth, or even a cold bottle of water can shock your nervous system out of panic mode.
Touch Something Safe and Familiar
Holding your child’s hand, petting a soft blanket, or pressing your feet firmly against the floor can help remind your body that you are safe.
Repeat Affirmations or Safe Statements
“I am safe right now.”
“This is just a memory.”
“I am here, in this moment.”
“I am not in danger.”
“I am in control.”
2. Allow Yourself to Step Away if Needed
When your PTSD is triggered, your instinct might be to either push through it or shut down completely. But you do not have to force yourself to stay in a triggering situation.
If you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a pause.
If your child is safe, step into another room for one or two minutes to collect yourself.
Take deep breaths before responding to a stressful situation.
If you are in public, excuse yourself to the bathroom or go outside for fresh air.
Stepping away is not failing—it is regulating. The goal is to return once you feel calmer and more in control.
3. Have a Simple Self-Care Plan for After a Trigger
Sometimes, even after you calm down, you still feel the emotional aftershock of being triggered. Your body may still feel tense, your mind may feel foggy, or you might feel emotionally drained.
Here are some small ways to care for yourself after a triggering moment:
Hydrate – Drinking water can help reset your nervous system.
Stretch or Move Your Body – Trauma is stored in the body, so gentle movement (like stretching, walking, or even shaking your hands) can help release it.
Listen to a Calming Sound – Nature sounds, calming music, or white noise can help ground you.
Journal (if possible) – Writing down what triggered you, how you felt, and what helped you cope can help you process it more clearly.
Engage in Sensory Comfort – Holding a warm cup of tea, wrapping yourself in a blanket, or taking a warm shower can help soothe your body.
These are not "luxuries"—they are basic ways to bring your nervous system back to baseline.
4. Give Yourself Permission to Have Hard Days
Some days, no matter how much you prepare, triggers will hit harder than usual. Maybe you’re exhausted, maybe you’ve had a stressful day, or maybe something caught you off guard. That’s okay.
Healing is not linear. There will be days when you feel like you’re making incredible progress, and there will be days when an old trigger resurfaces and shakes you. Neither day defines you.
On the harder days, remind yourself:
You are allowed to struggle.
You are allowed to take breaks.
You are allowed to ask for help.
You are allowed to need time to process.
You do not have to "get over it" immediately. You are allowed to take as long as you need to heal.
5. Seek Ongoing Support
If PTSD is affecting your daily life and making motherhood feel overwhelming, it is okay to seek additional support.
Therapy (if available to you) – A trauma-informed therapist can help you develop coping tools tailored to your experiences.
Support Groups – Talking to other moms who understand what you’re going through can help you feel less alone.
Online Resources & Books – Sometimes, reading about trauma and PTSD can give you language to describe what you’re experiencing.
If therapy or formal support isn’t an option, lean into what you do have—trusted friends, journaling, faith, or simple self-care routines. Healing happens in small steps.
What Happens Next?
Once you start identifying, communicating, and coping with your triggers, you will begin to reclaim control over your nervous system. Triggers will no longer feel like they have power over you—you will have the tools to handle them when they arise.
You are not broken.
You are not failing.
You are healing.
This journey takes time, and there will be ups and downs, but every time you choose to ground yourself instead of spiraling, every time you set a boundary, every time you show yourself grace—you are making progress.
You are not alone in this. You are capable of creating a safe, loving environment for both yourself and your child. And most of all, you deserve peace, healing, and the freedom to live fully in the present.
Would you like me to add specific self-care routines, guided grounding exercises, or further strategies for PTSD management? Let me know how I can make this even more helpful for you.
You Are Not Alone, and You Are Enough
If you take nothing else from this, please hear me: You are not alone in this.
I know how isolating PTSD can feel. It has a way of making you believe that no one else understands, that no one else reacts the way you do, that no other mom struggles with the things you struggle with. When you feel triggered—when you are drowning in overstimulation, when your body is reacting before your brain even understands why—it is easy to feel like you are failing.
But you are not failing. You are surviving.
Every single day, you wake up and show up for your child. Even on the days when you are exhausted. Even on the days when your PTSD feels like a weight pressing down on your chest. Even on the days when you need to step away, take a deep breath, or simply hold on until bedtime.
That is not failure. That is strength.
There are so many moms who are walking this same path—who know exactly what it feels like to love their child fiercely while simultaneously working through their own trauma. There are moms who get overwhelmed by the constant noise, who feel overstimulated by the endless touching, who have moments of panic when something unexpected reminds them of the past.
And if that is you, please know that you are not weak.
Healing is not linear. There will be days when you feel like you are making progress, and then there will be days when an unexpected trigger hits you out of nowhere, leaving you shaken. That does not mean you are back at square one. That does not mean you are incapable of being the mother you want to be. That does not mean your trauma wins.
You are allowed to struggle and still be an amazing mom. You are allowed to have triggers and still be capable of deep, nurturing love. You are allowed to have moments when you need space, when you need to step away, when you need to ask for help.
You are not broken because you need to heal.
And even though PTSD might be part of your story, it does not have to define your motherhood. Your love, your presence, your willingness to keep going even when it’s hard—that is what defines you.
You are not alone. You are not failing. You are enough, exactly as you are.
Elle Daniels
Doula and Childbirth Educator
Additional Resources for Moms with PTSD
Healing from PTSD while navigating motherhood is challenging, but you do not have to do it alone. There are many books, articles, podcasts, and support groups designed to help you better understand trauma, manage triggers, and find a sense of peace in your parenting journey.
Books on PTSD, Trauma, and Motherhood
"The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" – By Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
This book explains how trauma is stored in the body and provides practical strategies for healing.
"What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing" – By Oprah Winfrey & Dr. Bruce Perry
A compassionate look at how childhood trauma shapes us and how we can heal.
"Motherhood Unstressed: Daily Meditations on Motherhood, Self-Care, and the Art of Living a Life You Love" – By Liz Carlile
A collection of mindfulness exercises and reflections for moms navigating stress and emotional challenges.
"Permission to Come Home: Reclaiming Mental Health as Asian Americans" – By Jenny T. Wang, Ph.D.
While written from an Asian-American perspective, this book offers insights into trauma, family dynamics, and mental health that can apply to anyone.
"Raising Good Humans: A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids" – By Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE
A great resource for moms who struggle with reactive parenting due to past trauma.
Podcasts on Trauma, Healing, and Motherhood
"The Trauma Therapist Podcast" – Hosted by Guy Macpherson, Ph.D.
A deep dive into trauma recovery, featuring interviews with leading experts in the field.
"Motherhood Meets Medicine" – Hosted by Lynzy Coughlin
Covers mental health struggles in motherhood, including anxiety, trauma, and self-care.
"Therapy Chat" – Hosted by Laura Reagan, LCSW-C
Focuses on mindfulness, trauma healing, and self-compassion.
"The Momwell Podcast" – Hosted by Erica Djossa
Discusses the mental load of motherhood, postpartum mental health, and trauma-related challenges.
"UnF*ck Your Brain" – Hosted by Kara Loewentheil, J.D.
Focuses on reframing trauma, managing anxiety, and overcoming self-doubt.
Articles & Online Resources
Postpartum Support International (PSI) – www.postpartum.net
Provides mental health resources, support groups, and therapy directories for moms experiencing PTSD, postpartum depression, and anxiety.
National Center for PTSD (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) – www.ptsd.va.gov
Offers detailed explanations of PTSD, coping strategies, and treatment options.
The Trauma Foundation – www.traumafoundation.org
Provides trauma recovery resources, including self-help techniques and community support.
"Healing from Motherhood Trauma" – Psychology Today Article
Read here
Support Groups & Therapy Directories
Postpartum Support International – Offers virtual and in-person support groups for moms experiencing trauma and PTSD.
BetterHelp – www.betterhelp.com
An online therapy platform that connects you with licensed professionals specializing in trauma and parenting.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline – www.thehotline.org
For moms recovering from abusive relationships, this hotline provides resources and emotional support.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – www.rainn.org
Support for survivors of sexual assault, including a 24/7 hotline and therapy resources.
You Deserve Support
Healing from PTSD is not something you have to do alone. There are experts, communities, and other moms who understand what you’re going through and want to help. Whether you choose to read a book, listen to a podcast, join a support group, or seek therapy, remember that every step you take toward healing is a step toward a better, more peaceful life for both you and your child.
