Explore the evolution of childbirth practices and how they've shifted from midwife-led to hospital deliveries over the last century. Dive deep into the often-overlooked challenges of the fourth trimester, including postpartum depression and the emotional complexities of new motherhood. Tune in for personal stories that reveal the joy and difficulty surrounding childbirth, along with the impact of societal attitudes on maternal health. Discover the disparities in postpartum care and hear a call for more personalized support in maternal health.
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Postpartum Experience
Erin Allman-Updike shares her postpartum experience, lacking initial love for her baby and feeling unprepared.
She developed a soothing exercise to recognize her son's face and overcame postpartum depression.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Postpartum Hemorrhage
A woman recounts her postpartum hemorrhage after giving birth, emphasizing the importance of hospital resources.
She lost 2-3 liters of blood and required a transfusion but thankfully recovered.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Molar Pregnancy
A woman shares her experience with a molar pregnancy, diagnosed after a DNC for a missed miscarriage.
Despite the emotional toll and concerns about cancer risk, she later had a healthy baby boy.
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Derek Jarman's "Blue" is a visually striking film that consists of a single, static blue image. The film's power lies in its immersive soundscape, which includes personal sounds from Jarman's life, sounds of war, and hospital noises. The film is a deeply personal exploration of Jarman's experience with AIDS and his deteriorating eyesight. It's a testament to the power of sound design and the intimate nature of storytelling. The film's unique approach challenges traditional cinematic conventions and invites viewers to engage with the film on a sensory level.
A midwife's tale
the life of Martha Ballard, based on her diary, 1785-1812
Susan Ericksen
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
This book, written by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, is a meticulously researched historical account based on the diary of Martha Ballard, who kept a detailed record of her work as a midwife and healer in Hallowell, Maine, from 1785 to 1812. The book offers an intimate and densely imagined portrait not only of Martha Ballard but also of her society, shedding light on medical practices, religious conflicts, sexual mores, and the roles of women in the early American republic. Ulrich's work is praised for its scholarly rigor and engaging narrative, making it a triumph of history on a human scale.
The poison squad
Deborah Blum
The Frozen River
The Frozen River
Ariel Lawhon
Medical Bondage
Deirdre Cooper Owens
Brought to Bed
Brought to Bed
Childbirth in America, 1750-1950
Judith Walser-Levitt
Judith Walser-Levitt's "Brought to Bed" offers a comprehensive historical account of childbirth practices in America, spanning from 1750 to 1950. The book meticulously details the evolution of birthing practices, from home births attended by midwives to the rise of hospital births managed by physicians. It explores the changing roles of women, midwives, and doctors in the birthing process, highlighting the social, cultural, and medical factors that shaped these transformations. The narrative sheds light on the challenges and advancements in obstetrics, examining the impact of medical technologies and societal attitudes on maternal and infant health. The book provides a nuanced perspective on the complexities of childbirth throughout American history, challenging simplistic narratives of progress.
Birth, The Surprising History of How We Are Born
Birth, The Surprising History of How We Are Born
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Tina Cassidy
The Midwife Said Fear Not
The Midwife Said Fear Not
The History of Midwifery in the U.S. Up Through Today
Helen Varney
Joyce B.B. Thompson
Helen Varney and Joyce B.B. Thompson's "The Midwife Said Fear Not" provides a comprehensive history of midwifery in the United States, tracing its evolution from its early roots to contemporary practices. The book explores the changing roles of midwives within the healthcare system, highlighting the challenges they faced and their contributions to maternal and child health. It examines the social, cultural, and political factors that shaped the profession, including the rise of medical dominance and the ongoing struggle for midwifery's recognition. The authors delve into the experiences of midwives and birthing women, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of childbirth and healthcare. The book serves as a valuable resource for understanding the history and current state of midwifery in the U.S.
Inferno, a memoir of motherhood and madness
Inferno, a memoir of motherhood and madness
null
Catherine Cho
Witches, Midwives, and Nurses
A History of Women Healers
Deidre English
Barbara Ehrenreich
Witches, Midwives, and Nurses explores the historical suppression of women as healers, tracing their roles from medieval Europe to the rise of modern medicine in the United States. The book argues that women's traditional healing practices were marginalized by male-dominated medical institutions, leading to their exclusion from professional medicine. It also examines contemporary issues in healthcare and the resurgence of interest in alternative healing practices.
Content Warning: This episode includes mentions of miscarriage, pregnancy loss, pregnancy complications, traumatic birth experiences, and other potentially disturbing topics related to childbirth, pregnancy, and the postpartum period.
We close out our pregnancy series with a big picture view of how the childbirth experience has changed over the past century - both for the better and for the worse. From home to hospital, what have we lost and what have we gained? We also delve into the period known as the fourth trimester, examining the physiological changes that can occur after childbirth as well as one of the most common (but not commonly discussed) conditions that people develop during this time: postpartum depression. Tune into this info-packed episode, and don’t forget to send us your recommendations for future topics!
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