'Expecting Better' focuses on empowering individuals with evidence-based information and tools for decision-making during pregnancy.
Funding research on pregnancy and postpartum is crucial to improve understanding, treatment, and support for expectant parents.
Deep dives
The importance of open conversations about pregnancy
Having open conversations about pregnancy is crucial in providing support and reducing feelings of isolation. Emily Oster's book, 'Expecting Better', has helped many expectant mothers feel empowered and informed throughout their pregnancies. The book focuses on providing evidence-based information and tools for making decisions, rather than prescribing one right way. Oster highlights the importance of empowering individuals to make their own choices and encourages open dialogue with healthcare providers.
The motivation behind writing 'Expecting Better'
Emily Oster wrote 'Expecting Better' after experiencing the frustration and lack of individualized information during her own pregnancy. As an economist, she sought out scientific data and conducted research to make informed decisions about her own pregnancy. Oster's book aims to provide expectant parents with reliable information and empower them to make choices based on the evidence available.
The need for more research on pregnancy and postpartum
Oster emphasizes the importance of funding research on pregnancy and postpartum, as there is currently a lack of funding in these areas. She highlights the ethical dilemma of excluding pregnant women from clinical trials and the need for more data on various topics, such as the safety of medications during pregnancy. Oster calls for increased awareness and support for research to improve the understanding and treatment of pregnancy-related complications.
The journey of getting back into a workout routine after pregnancy
Oster shares her personal experience of getting back into a workout routine after pregnancy. She advises individuals to give themselves grace and recognize that their body and circumstances may be different postpartum. Oster suggests setting realistic goals and asking oneself what purpose the workout serves. Additionally, she recommends seeking guidance from a pelvic floor therapist before engaging in postpartum exercise to ensure proper healing and address any specific needs or concerns.
I’m thrilled to share the audio from an event we held earlier this month to mark the 10-year anniversary of my first book, Expecting Better. It was hosted by Dr. Sara Readon (also known as The Vagina Whisperer) and we were joined by Amy Schumer, who helped put the book on the map. We also announced my new book, The Unexpected, which is coming out next spring!
ParentData relaunched in September 2023. Please enjoy this episode of the earlier version of the podcast from our archives. You can read transcripts and listen to all of our episodes at parentdata.org/podcast.
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