#167 Michelle Flynn on Why Some Experiences Stay With Us

About this episode

Michelle Flynn discusses the impact of birth trauma and the importance of understanding individual experiences of trauma.

🎧 Episode Description In this episode, Michelle Flynn shares her deeply personal and professional insight into birth trauma, and why it’s not always about what happens, but how it’s experienced. Drawing on her own journey through pregnancy anxiety and her work as a perinatal psychotherapist, Michelle explains how trauma can live in the nervous system, showing up long after the moment has passed. From hypervigilance and intrusive thoughts to sensory triggers that bring the body straight back into the experience, she breaks down why these reactions happen and what they actually mean. Together, Michelle and Laura unpack the importance of feeling safe, seen and supported, both for patients and for healthcare professionals. This really comes back to understanding your body and how trauma can show up differently for each of us. 📚 Mentioned in this Episode Postnatal Depression A type of depression that can occur after childbirth, affecting mood, energy, and ability to care for yourself or your baby. Postnatal Anxiety A condition involving excessive worry, fear, or intrusive thoughts during the postpartum period. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) A mental health condition involving…

People in this episode

Host: Laura Dowling

Guest: Michelle Flynn

Topics covered

• birth trauma
• mental health
• perinatal psychotherapy
• trauma response
• patient care
• healthcare professionals

Keywords

• birth trauma
• pregnancy anxiety
• mental health
• perinatal psychotherapist
• trauma response
• healthcare support

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Postnatal Depression, Postnatal Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Perinatal Mental Health

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