From Diagnosis to Delivery: Shaleigh Rae on Resilience, Motherhood & the Power of Surrender

What happens when you receive a cancer diagnosis while pregnant? For Shaleigh Rae, a registered nurse, mother of two, and former Willow birth center client, it meant facing the unimaginable — and discovering her deepest strength in the process.

In a powerful two-part series on The Midwife Life podcast, Shaleigh shares her extraordinary story of being diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy, navigating birth and postpartum while undergoing chemotherapy, and ultimately finding healing through surrender, support, and intuition.

This conversation is raw, real, and unforgettable. Whether you’re a birth worker, parent, or someone in the thick of a personal storm — Shaleigh’s words will leave a lasting imprint.

🎧 Listen to Part 1: themidwifelife.co/episode1
🎧 Listen to Part 2: themidwifelife.co/episode2

The Strength in Surrender

One of the most powerful themes in Shaleigh’s story is the radical act of letting go. As a nurse and self-proclaimed perfectionist, she shares how her instinct was always to white-knuckle her way through difficulty. But cancer, postpartum, and motherhood humbled her.

Instead of resisting what was beyond her control, Shaleigh learned to lean into support, rest, and resilience. Surrender, she realized, wasn’t weakness — it was a lifeline.

“For the first time in my life, I didn’t try to control the outcome. And I survived. Not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually.”

Takeaway: If you’re navigating uncertainty or overwhelm, what would it feel like to surrender to the process instead of resisting it?

Redefining Postpartum: It’s Not Just About the Baby

Too often, postpartum is seen as a physical recovery window — but Shaleigh’s story reminds us it’s so much more. She gave birth while carrying a cancer diagnosis, breastfeeding briefly before chemo, and learning to mother two under two in the shadow of illness.

Her reflections on postpartum depression, identity loss, and emotional disorientation are brutally honest- and universally relatable.

“Birth is just the beginning. You’re a new mom every time, and postpartum is a rebirth of your own.”

Takeaway: If you’re struggling in postpartum, you’re not alone — and it’s okay if your healing looks different than what others expect. You deserve support, emotionally and physically.

Listening to Your Intuition Can Save Your Life

Shaleigh first suspected something was wrong when she felt a sharp pain in her breast. Her gut instinct told her it was cancer before any tests confirmed it. That inner voice, she says, was undeniable.

She emphasizes how important it is to tune into your body’s wisdom and advocate for yourself in medical settings, especially when you’re dismissed or told to wait.

“Don’t squash the voice inside you. That intuitive knowing — it’s there to protect you.”

Takeaway: Whether you’re a patient or a provider, learning to honor and trust embodied intuition is crucial — and potentially lifesaving.

Community Is the Medicine

Throughout both episodes, Shaleigh returns to the idea that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. From her partner and parents, to her midwives at Willow, to her coworkers who fundraised for her treatment, she was held by a village.

“The support helped me not feel alone. It was my lifeboat when I was drowning.”

Takeaway: Don’t underestimate the power of showing up for someone, or asking for help when you need it. Community isn’t just support. It’s survival.

🌿 Ready to Be Moved?

Don’t miss this two-part conversation with Shaleigh Rae on The Midwife Life. It’s a story of devastation, beauty, rebirth – and the kind of strength we rarely speak about.

👉 Listen to Part 1 | Listen to Part 2

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