Meet Nicole, a resilient mother who shares her harrowing birth trauma experience while giving birth in Germany only to discover she would be fighting for her son Owen’s survival.

Birth trauma is a deeply personal and often overlooked experience that can stem from medical complications, lack of support, or feeling powerless during childbirth. The emotional and physical impact can linger long after delivery, affecting mental health, relationships, and even future pregnancies. Healing from birth trauma requires compassionate care, safe spaces to share, and the recognition that every birth story deserves to be heard and validated.

Nicole and her husband boarded a military C-17 with their newborn son, Owen, for a high-risk medical transfer to the U.S. Just seven days postpartum, Nicole found herself on a freezing plane, pumping every three hours while surrounded by a full neonatal team ensuring Owen’s fragile survival. What followed was a relentless battle—two open-heart surgeries, life-threatening complications, and a harrowing stay in the ICU, where each day brought a new crisis, forcing Nicole to confront impossible choices and redefine hope in the face of unimaginable uncertainty.

Through raw storytelling, we reveal the power of advocacy, the need for safe spaces, and the healing that comes from being honestly heard.

Connect with Nicole:

Nicole provides Perinatal support, grief and loss, birth trauma, life coaching, and hosts women's retreats.

Website:

https://www.mothernurtureconsulting.com/

Instagram:

@stucktosovereigncoaching

https://www.instagram.com/motheringismedicine/

Email:

nicole@mothernurtureconsulting.com

Connect with Jen:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567221068683
Website:
https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935

Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Spotify or Apple Podasts.

Purchase my book or Audiobook: Why I Survived: How Sharing My Story Helped Me Heal from Dating Abuse, Armed Robbery, Abduction, and Other Forms of Trauma by Jennifer Lee
https://whyisurvived.com/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Char Good.
https://chargood.com/home

Support the show

Doug's inspiring journey highlights overcoming childhood bullying, finding purpose through sports, and serving in the Navy despite a near-drowning experience. After leaving the military in 1984, he battled depression, failed relationships, and two suicide attempts. Seeking direction, he re-enlisted, deployed to Iraq in 2004, survived an ambush and a life-threatening infection, and was later medically retired. Feeling abandoned, he turned to veteran advocacy, mental health awareness, and mentoring through organizations like Toastmasters and the VFW.

In this episode, Doug emphasizes that suicide is a temporary escape from pain and urges those struggling to seek support, coping strategies, and community. His mission continues through Beacon for Hope, promoting daily acts of kindness and suicide prevention. He shares life lessons on resilience, mental health, and finding purpose through his upcoming book and speaking engagements.

Connect with Doug:

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglasbrinker-inspirationalspeaker/

Beacon 4 Hope LLC Website:

https://douglasbrinker.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/Beacon4Hope2024

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Beacon4Hope/

Connect with Jen:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567221068683
Website:
https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935

Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Spotify or Apple Podasts.

Purchase my book or Audiobook: Why I Survived: How Sharing My Story Helped Me Heal from Dating Abuse, Armed Robbery, Abduction, and Other Forms of Trauma by Jennifer Lee
https://whyisurvived.com/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Char Good.
https://chargood.com/home

Support the show

Trish is a retired dentist, a devoted mother of two, and a loving wife. She built a successful practice in Charleston, South Carolina, before life took an unexpected turn. After selling her practice earlier than planned, she and her husband moved to West Virginia, where she was suddenly diagnosed with stage four uterine cancer. What was initially believed to be a terminal prognosis turned into an incredible journey of survival. Through the care of exceptional medical professionals, the unwavering support of her husband, family, and friends, and her own deep spiritual transformation, Trish defied the odds and found healing.

Her journey was not only physical but deeply emotional and spiritual. She describes her recovery as an "undoing"—a release of fear, limiting beliefs, and emotional burdens that had weighed her down. This shift in perspective, combined with both traditional and alternative treatments, played a crucial role in her healing process. Now, Trish embraces each day with gratitude, sharing her story to inspire others facing adversity. She encourages those struggling to find peace within themselves, letting go of what no longer serves them, and embracing the love and support around them. Though she doesn’t dwell on labels like "remission," she is grateful for where she is today—alive, thriving, and filled with purpose.

Connect with Jen:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567221068683
Website:
https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935

Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Spotify or Apple Podasts.

Purchase my book or Audiobook: Why I Survived: How Sharing My Story Helped Me Heal from Dating Abuse, Armed Robbery, Abduction, and Other Forms of Trauma by Jennifer Lee
https://whyisurvived.com/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Char Good.
https://chargood.com/home

Support the show