Why I Took a Social Media Break: Navigating NICU Trauma, PTSD, and My Journey to Trauma-Informed Care as a Compassionate Doula
Ever feel like your favorite season turned on you?
Yeah, same. Fall used to be my time—pumpkin everything, cozy sweaters, and that slow, magical build to the holidays. But now? October and November hit like a freight train. NICU memories and PTSD triggers crash in, knocking me off my feet. That’s why I hit pause on social media this year.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by things you used to love, stick around. I’ve got some raw truths, a little humor (because, coping), and thoughts on why taking a break can be the most empowering thing you do.
The Season of NICU Triggers: When Fall Becomes a Battlefield
For most people, fall is a Pinterest board come to life: crisp air, golden leaves, and all things pumpkin spice. For me? Fall is a minefield. October and November mark the hardest chapter of my life—the months my family spent in the NICU.
The weather, the changing leaves, the holidays... they all trigger flashbacks to that time. It’s like my brain decided, “Hey, remember how stressful that was? Let’s relive it. On repeat.” NICU memories are sneaky. They don’t just surface—they ambush. PTSD doesn’t come with a polite knock; it kicks the door in, dragging along intrusive thoughts (thanks, OCD) that make it hard to function.
I used to love this season. But now? The sights, sounds, and even holiday excitement carry a weight I didn’t ask for. My brain replays every beep, every worry, every whispered prayer from those NICU days.
Taking the Break: More Than Just a Digital Detox
So, why take a break from social media—especially when it’s a huge part of my business? Because I needed space. I needed to clear the mental clutter. I needed to reconnect with myself, my clients, and the reason I became a doula in the first place—to be present, to be grounded, and to be the expert advocate you need.
By mid-October, I couldn’t keep up with the endless scroll: the perfectly curated fall feeds, holiday countdowns, and the constant “shoulds.”
I should post more.
I should engage more.
I should keep pushing through.
But here’s the thing: Trauma doesn’t care about your content calendar. So, I gave myself permission to step back. Social media felt too loud, too demanding. I needed room to feel all the feels, process, and focus on healing—not engagement metrics.
Spoiler: Best decision ever.
Turning Pain into Purpose: How NICU Trauma Shaped My Doula Practice
Here’s the silver lining: Trauma might shake you, but it can also shift your purpose. My time in the NICU didn’t just leave me with PTSD—it gave me a mission. I realized how critical it is to have someone in your corner who truly understands medical trauma and the whirlwind of emotions that come with it.
That’s why I became a trauma-informed doula. Not just a doula, but one who truly gets it. Someone who can hold space for the tough conversations, advocate for you when things feel out of control, and remind you that your voice and choices matter—always. Birth is transformative, and my goal is to help moms feel empowered, informed, and deeply supported in every moment.
When I unplugged, I gave myself permission to feel my feelings, heal from my experiences, and rediscover the kind of trauma-informed care I want to provide.
Here’s what I learned:
Trauma isn’t something you just "get over." It’s something you learn to carry, manage, and make space for in a way that doesn't define you. Social media wasn’t helping me do that; it was just piling more onto my already overflowing mental plate.
Authenticity matters. I could preach about being “authentic” until I’m blue in the face, but here’s the kicker: You can’t be authentic if you’re constantly trying to keep up with a world that expects you to be everywhere, all the time. Taking a break helped me reclaim my authenticity—on my terms.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. As a doula, my job is to empower you to navigate your pregnancy and birth with confidence. But here’s the thing—if I’m not taking care of my mental health, my trauma, and my energy, how am I supposed to show up fully for YOU?
So, I took that break—no guilt, no shame, just a pause. And you know what? It was exactly what I needed.
The Trauma-Informed Care I Now Offer
Coming back to social media was a choice. Not to “keep up,” but to be present in my work, my community, and for my clients. And that’s the mindset shift I hope you take from this post:
Trauma-informed care isn’t just about the care I give you—it’s about the care I give myself so that I can be the doula you deserve.
I’m now even more dedicated to supporting YOU in a way that acknowledges your experiences, validates your emotions, and empowers you to make decisions in a way that feels right to you. Here’s how I do it:
I listen. No agenda, no judgment. Your story matters, and I’m here to hear it without rushing to “fix” things.
I provide real, actionable support. My goal isn’t to tell you what to do, but to help you find your voice. You should always feel informed and empowered to make decisions that align with your values.
I keep it real. Birth isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes it’s messy, raw, and unexpected. But I’m here to hold that space with you, with honesty and compassion, and help you navigate the uncharted waters without judgment.
I acknowledge that trauma can reshape your birth journey. Whether you’re facing high-risk complications, a NICU experience, or simply trying to make sense of birth in the midst of society’s expectations—your trauma will shape your experience. I’m here to help you understand how it might impact your journey, and offer guidance that respects your needs.
So, What’s Next?
Taking a social media break was one of the best things I could have done for my business—and for my personal growth. Now, I’m even more passionate about giving you the compassionate support you deserve.
If you’re navigating your own birth journey and feeling overwhelmed by the noise, the pressure, or the uncertainty, I’m here for you. Together, we’ll cut through the clutter, and I’ll empower you to reclaim your birth experience with confidence, clarity, and care.
Join my email list to stay in the loop as I roll out fresh ideas and new directions in January. You’ll get empowering content to help you focus on what matters most—your birth, your choices, and your journey.
Take Control of Your Birth Experience
Taking a break isn’t quitting—it’s reclaiming your power. If this season feels heavy, know that you’re not alone. Whether it’s social media, work, or life in general, sometimes stepping back is the most courageous move you can make.
Have you ever had to take a step back to protect your peace? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your story. Let’s build a community that supports each other, one real, raw conversation at a time.
