Pregnancy is often portrayed as a time of joy, hope, and anticipation—but for far too many people, it happens inside an abusive relationship.

In this deeply personal and educational episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn explores the realities of experiencing domestic violence during pregnancy. As she prepares to welcome her own baby any day now, she shares why this topic feels especially heavy, important, and urgent.

This episode breaks down:

• How and why abuse can begin or escalate during pregnancy

• The physical, emotional, and psychological risks for both parent and baby

• The hidden forms of control and medical abuse pregnant survivors face

• Why leaving is often more dangerous and complicated during pregnancy

• The long-term impact of stress and trauma on prenatal and postpartum health

• Verified statistics that show why this is a serious public health issue

With compassion, honesty, and education, this episode speaks directly to pregnant survivors, reminding them they are not weak, not failing, and not alone. It also offers insight for loved ones and support systems who want to better understand the complexities of abuse during pregnancy.

💛 Holiday Note & Podcast Update: As we approach the holidays—and with Baby Baker’s arrival happening any day now—this episode may be the last new release for the next couple of months while Autumn steps away to focus on recovery, family, and the transition into motherhood. Thank you for your continued support, grace, and understanding during this season.

From Almost Oblivious to you: Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and may this season bring you safety, peace, and hope—wherever you are in your journey.

In this deeply honest episode of Almost Oblivious, host Autumn Baker sits down with Savannah, a licensed therapist, survivor, and founder of Willow & Well Counseling. Savannah opens up about her journey through abuse, motherhood, trauma recovery, and stepping into her calling as a counselor for survivors.

Together, Autumn and Savannah explore:

• The subtle and escalating red flags Savannah noticed long before she recognized them as abuse

• What gaslighting really looks like—beyond the buzzword

• How the abuse cycle intensified and eroded her sense of reality

• The heartbreaking ways her son was affected, and how motherhood ultimately gave her the clarity and courage to leave

• The safety planning steps she took to escape while protecting herself and her child

• The messy, nonlinear healing process after leaving, including PTSD, emotional regulation, and the often-unspoken grief that comes with escaping abuse

• The balance between single motherhood and healing your own trauma

• How community, faith, and support systems made survival possible

• Why investing in your own healing naturally transforms the way you parent

Savannah also shares the inspiring path that led her into the mental health field—where she now uses both her professional training and her lived experience to walk alongside survivors with compassion and clarity.

This episode is raw and full of encouragement for anyone navigating trauma, rebuilding after abuse, or learning to trust their own voice again. Savannah’s story is a reminder that healing is possible, even when the journey feels chaotic, cyclical, or overwhelming.

Settle in, take a deep breath, and join us for this life-giving conversation with Savannah from Willow & Well Counseling.

In this episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn Baker peels back the layers on what abuse often looks like in the beginning — before it becomes obvious. Instead of visible violence or control, many abusive relationships begin quietly, through subtle shifts in behavior, boundary-testing, love-bombing, and emotional manipulation. Autumn explores how “conditioning” works: shaping your sense of self, your comfort with discomfort, and your tolerance for things that don’t feel right — all while making you believe you’re loved, protected, and “lucky.”

Listeners will learn to identify early warning signs including:

• The “perfect partner” act and love-bombing.

• Critiques disguised as caring comments.

• Small, consistent boundary tests.

• Guilt banking and “favors” that become leverage.

• Fast-forwarded emotional intimacy.

• The “foot-in-the-door” technique: small asks leading to bigger demands.

• The slow slide into justifying behavior that feels off, or minimizing discomfort.

We share how these patterns are often missed — even by people who love deeply and believe the best. She encourages listeners to trust their instincts, notice their body’s reactions, and reach out to safe people if something doesn’t feel right.

Why This Episode Matters: Understanding early conditioning gives listeners power. Early recognition can help prevent deeper abuse. Even if you’re not currently in a relationship, this episode offers awareness — knowledge that could protect you or someone you care about in the future.

Who Should Listen:

• Anyone questioning a relationship’s early dynamic.

• Survivors reflecting on their past.

• Friends or family who want to support a loved one.

• Anyone wanting to better understand how abuse can begin subtly.

In this rewind episode, we revisit the often overlooked reality that domestic abuse doesn’t only affect the survivor — it impacts everyone who loves them. Family and friends carry their own fear, confusion, grief, and emotional wounds as they watch someone they care about struggle. This conversation explores how abuse ripples through relationships, why those around the survivor are affected so deeply, and how healing extends beyond just one person. .

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Domestic abuse doesn’t only affect the victim; it leaves deep scars on everyone around them. In Episode 3, Autumn Baker explores the far-reaching impact of domestic violence on children, friends, and family members. This episode sheds light on the trauma and challenges that loved ones face, revealing how abuse creates ripples that extend through entire communities and generations. Join us as we discuss how we can support those affected and work together toward healing.