The C-Section Experience: Empowering C-Section Education and Support

Jen and Bethany welcome their first guest, Dorothy Cascerceri Simone, host of the podcast 'That Greenwich Life'. Dorothy shares her experiences with her motherhood journey, including her two C-sections, a traumatic pregnancy loss, and the emotional journey through infertility and IVF. Dorothy discusses how her experiences have shaped her and led to her personal growth and healing. Our Guest: Dorot...

Jen and Bethany discuss their experiences and advice on managing pain after a C-section. The episode explores various pain management strategies, including the use of Tylenol, ibuprofen, and opioids, and discusses the safety of breastfeeding while on pain medications. They also discuss additional strategies like abdominal binders and nerve blocks, alongside holistic remedies such as aromatherapy a...

Bethany shares her personal experience navigating three high risk pregnancies following a traumatic stillbirth and protein C deficiency diagnosis. Jen and Bethany explore the emotional challenges of being labeled high-risk, coping mechanisms, and the role of a planned c-section when faced with a high risk pregnancy.  Website: csxpodcast.com Email us: hi@csxpodcast.com .  Follow us on instagram: @t...

Jen and Bethany discuss the topic of birth plans, examining their significance, the controversies surrounding them, and their overall effectiveness. The conversation highlights the importance of flexibility, understanding personal goals, and communicating openly with medical teams. The episode also touches on specific scenarios such as C-sections and the role of coping strategies to manage anxiety...

Jen and Bethany delve into the topic of intrapartum and postpartum shivering. They explain that shivering is a common but unexpected phenomenon which is particularly common in C-Section births. They discuss the various potential causes of shivering—including anesthesia, hormonal changes, and blood loss—as well as prevention and treatment strategies. They reflect on the impact of shivering on the C...

In this episode, Jen and Bethany reflect on their friendship and journey into podcasting, and how their personal experiences have influenced their careers and perspectives. They discuss the crucial, often undervalued support provided by doulas, challenges faced during medical training and the importance of empathy, respect and continuous learning in healthcare.  Website: csxpodcast.com Email us: h...

Jen and Bethany discuss Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Jen shares her experience of having her second child via VBAC. She discusses how she weighed the risks and benefits of attempting a VBAC beforehand and how her labor and recovery experiences compare to her c-section birth.  The discussion highlights the importance of hospital support, the factors contributing to the success of a VBAC, an...

Jen and Bethany discuss breech babies, the realities of breech deliveries, and contemplate the risk and benefits of an ECV (external cephalic version).  Jen describes her experience learning that her baby was breech and the steps she took including attempting 'spinning babies' exercises, and trying an ECV at 37 weeks, to ultimately having a C-section at 39 weeks. The episode covers medical explana...

In this episode, Dr. Jen and Bethany break down everything you need to know about hospital recovery after a scheduled c-section - from the recovery room to hospital discharge. They discuss eating and drinking after surgery, walking after surgery, blood clot prevention, urinary catheter removal, pain management, use of the hospital nursery and breastfeeding. Website: csxpodcast.com Email us: hi@csx...

*Special episode, please read first * In this raw, heart-wrenching episode, Bethany shares her deeply personal journey through grief and healing after losing her daughter Campbell to stillbirth. TW: dismissive and unsupportive obstetric care, stillbirth, surgical management of pregnancy loss, suicidal ideation, postpartum depression https://suziejaygoldsmith.com/therallyingcry The National Materna...

Jen and Bethany dive into the concept of gentle C-Sections, a more holistic and family-centered approach to the traditional Cesarean section. They explore what makes a C-Section "gentle" and discuss each of the common elements involved. The episode covers all aspects of gentle C-sections, from environmental changes in the operating room to immediate skin-to-skin contact and early breastfeeding. Th...

Jen and Bethany break down everything you need to know about a typical planned and scheduled c-section - from the moment you walk into the hospital until you're moved into the recovery room. They cover everything from the initial hospital arrival, pre-surgery preparations, what happens in the operating room, to the closing procedures and moving to recovery.  They walk you through each step to help...

Dr. Jen and Bethany guide listeners through essential preparations for a scheduled C-section. The conversation covers key topics such as timing and guidelines for eating, drinking, showering, and shaving. They also discuss dietary recommendations and what to pack in a hospital bag. They wrap up with tips on preparing the home for a smooth transition after returning from the hospital and a soothing...

Dr. Jen and Bethany discuss a lesser-known but common complication after C-section deliveries—shoulder pain, also referred to as shoulder tip pain. The discussion highlights the lack of awareness and research around this issue, and includes potential causes and treatment options. Bethany shares her personal, intense experience with post-C-section shoulder pain. Website: csxpodcast.com Email us: hi...

Dr. Jen and Bethany provide an in-depth discussion on spinal anesthesia for C-Sections. They explore what a spinal is, why it is used, the medications involved, how it feels, and how to make the placement process easier. Website: csxpodcast.com Email us: hi@csxpodcast.com .  Follow us on instagram: @thecsxpodcast Birth Services + postpartum support: lemontreebabies.com. Download our FREE C-Section...

Dr. Jen and Bethany discuss the importance of understanding your c-section care team. They break down the roles of various medical providers involved in a C-section: the obstetric team, the nursing team, the anesthesia team, the neonatal team, and the personal support team. They provide detailed descriptions of each team's responsibilities, while sharing tips on how to advocate for yourself. Websi...

Join Dr. Jen Wagner and Bethany Scott, R.N., as they explore the realities of cesarean births. With professional expertise and personal experience—Jen as an obstetric anesthesiologist and mom of two, and Bethany as a nurse and mom of three—they offer honest, empowering discussions on what it's really like to have a c-section. Whether planned or unexpected, they're here to help you have a positive...