Jackie entered her pregnancy with an unquestioning faith that the medical system knew best how to manage her care, and ensure the safe delivery of her baby. During prenatal discussions with her doctor, she made it clear from the start, before she had ever felt a single contraction, that she wanted an epidural.

When labor began, she opted for the epidural as soon as she was able, but experienced a debilitating, full-body allergic reaction to the medication. Her baby was born healthy, but the experience left her feeling that she had not been given full informed consent. The effects of the reaction lingered, and her healing extended well into the postpartum period.

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Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at [email protected]

Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto