C-Sections, birth trauma and the fight for better maternal care with Rachel Somerstein

What if the way we talk about birth is shaping the way we experience it—before it even begins? Joining me to unpack this is journalist, professor, and author of Invisible Labor: The Untold Story of the Cesarean Section, Rachel Somerstein.

Together we explore:

• The hidden biases and ingrained language that shape how we view birth—why terms like "failure to progress" reinforce harmful narratives.

• Why flexibility is a powerful tool in birth and parenting—and why we so often slip into rigidity when we feel anxious or out of control.

• The societal pressure to "do birth right" and how it impacts a birthing person's experience.

• The troubling reality of whose life we prioritize in birth and what that says about our values in America.

• Why do some births lead to trauma while others don't? What the research reveals about the difference.

• The importance of preparing for a c-section—even if it's not part of your birth plan—so that you feel safe and supported if it happens.

• Simple but impactful shifts that could make c-sections a more positive experience.

With 1 in 3 births resulting in a c-section, this is a conversation every birthing person deserves to hear. Tune in for a thought-provoking deep dive into the realities of modern birth and what we can do to reclaim agency in the process.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

👉🏻 https://www.rachelsomerstein.com/

📚 Invisible Labor: The Untold Story of the Cesarean Section and the Disturbing State of Maternal Medical Care

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:

📱 IG: @rachelesomerstein & LinkedIn: Rachel Somerstein

📱 IG: @drsarahbren

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

👉🏻 Click HERE to download my free interactive workbook, My Mental HealthPostpartum Checklist, that will help you create a personalized mental health support system for yourself allowing you to feel more confident and relaxed, knowing you have a plan for whatever your unique postpartum experience may be.

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 240. Processing birth trauma: How to make sense of, heal, and move forward after a difficult birthing experience with Dr. Sterling

🎧 282. Beyond the 6-week checkup: A realistic look at postpartum and early parenthood with Dr. Jessica Vernon

🎧 35. Rethinking the birth plan: How to create a plan with your OB/GYN that supports resilience and reduces anxiety during and after pregnancy with Dr. Shieva Ghofrany