Becoming a mother is a profound and life changing experience.
While it brings immense joy, it can also trigger a range of emotions, including feelings of sadness, anxiety, and overwhelm.
For some moms, these feelings evolve into postpartum depression (PPD), a condition that affects 1 in 7 women.
While there are many factors that contribute to PPD, unhealed childhood trauma is often an overlooked but a significant factor.
Why You Should Listen to Me?
I’m Wendy, your Divine Feminine Holistic Wellness and Postpartum coach and founder of Unleash Your Inner Goddess Coaching.
After my own PPD struggle journey, I kicked it to the curb and am now on a mission to help other moms also kick theirs!
I realized that my unhealed childhood trauma and the traumatic birth of my first born daughter triggered mine 25 years ago.
I specialize in helping moms struggling with PPD reclaim their joy and step into their power.
Through my 1 on 1 Coaching, Inner Qi Flow Qigong classes for moms, and Empowered Mama Reset: 4 Week 1 on 1 Coaching Bundle, I empower moms to heal, align, and manifest their highest potential.
Today, I’ll explore how unhealed childhood trauma can contribute to PPD and share powerful tools and resources to support your healing journey.
The Link Between Unhealed Childhood Trauma and PPD
Childhood trauma can manifest in many forms, including emotional neglect, physical or sexual abuse, abandonment, or growing up in a dysfunctional household.
These experiences can create deep rooted wounds that, if left unhealed, may resurface during significant life events, such as motherhood.
Here’s how unhealed trauma can contribute to PPD:
1. Triggered Emotions and Memories.
The stresses of new motherhood can trigger unresolved emotions from childhood trauma. A crying baby, feelings of inadequacy, or sleep deprivation can evoke powerful emotional responses, leading to PPD.
2. Challenges with Attachment and Bonding.
Mothers with unhealed trauma may struggle with secure attachment.
If a mom did not experience healthy attachment as a child, she might find it difficult to bond with her own baby, leading to feelings of guilt and depression.
3. Increased Vulnerability to Stress.
Trauma survivors often have heightened stress responses.
The hormonal changes and demands of caring for a newborn can push a mom into a state of chronic stress, contributing to PPD.
4. Negative Self Beliefs.
Childhood trauma can lead to limiting beliefs such as I’m not good enough or I’m unlovable.
These negative thought patterns can resurface during postpartum, feeding into depression.
5. Lack of Self Care and Boundaries.
Trauma survivors often struggle with self worth, leading to difficulty setting boundaries and prioritizing their own needs, essential components of mental wellness during postpartum.
6 Powerful Tools and Tips to Heal Childhood Trauma and Overcome PPD
Healing from childhood trauma is not an overnight process, but with the right support and tools, it is absolutely possible.
Here are some effective strategies to support your healing journey:
1. Seek Professional Support
Working with a trauma informed therapist or coach can help you process past experiences, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and release the pain associated with trauma.
My personalized 1 on 1 coaching approach helps you heal, align, wear your Mama Goddess crown with confidence and kick your PPD to the curb. Book your complimentary 30 minute Divine Feminine Coffee Chat call here.
2. Practice Self Compassion and Self Love
Healing starts with how you treat yourself. Engage in self-love practices such as affirmations, self-care rituals, and gentle forgiveness. To support you, I’m offering a Free Self-Care Workbook for Moms, where you’ll learn powerful practices to nurture and honor yourself.
💜 Download Your Free Self Care for Moms Workbook!
3. Engage in Mind and Body Practices
Modalities like Qigong, meditation, journaling, and breathwork can help you release stored trauma and calm the nervous system.
My Inner Qi Flow Qigong for moms classes offer a gentle yet powerful way to connect with your inner peace and restore your energy. Come experience a complimentary class!
Sign up for your FREE class here!
4. Build a Supportive Community
Connecting with other moms who understand your struggles can be incredibly healing.
Join my Empowered Mamas Kicking PPD to the Curb Facebook group, where you’ll find a tribe of supportive, non judgmental moms who uplift each other on their healing journeys.
Additionally, join your Mama Tribe on Wednesdays at 1 pm EST for the Empowered Mama’s Coffee Chat via our FB community for moms, where we come together in a safe space to share, connect, vent, disuss and grow.
It’s a beautiful opportunity to feel seen, heard, and supported.
This is a kid friendly event, and your children are welcome too!
5. Create Healthy Boundaries
Learning to say no and prioritizing your mental health is crucial.
Boundaries protect your peace and give you the space to focus on healing and connecting with your baby.
6. Attend Empowering Events
I invite you to join my FREE Rebirth of the Mama Goddess: Conquering PPD 5 Day Workshop, where I’ll share tools and techniques to help you release mom guilt, heal from trauma, and rediscover your inner goddess.
💜 Sign Up for the 5 Day Workshop Here
Final Thoughts
If you are a mom struggling with PPD and suspect that unhealed childhood trauma may be contributing to your experience, know that you are not alone.
With self compassion, the right support, and healing practices, you can break free from the chains of trauma and step into a more peaceful, joyful motherhood.
Take advantage of my free resources, join our supportive community, and attend my upcoming events to get the tools and encouragement you need to heal.
You deserve to feel empowered, worthy, and connected to both yourself and your children.
Let’s walk this healing journey together. 💜
