This week on The Labor Line, I’m joined by my lifelong friend Lauren, who had 3 unique birth experiences that all informed one another. From a positive introduction into motherhood with her first, to a mentally difficult postpartum experience with her second, followed by a diagnosis of ICP (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy) with her third, Lauren’s story reminds us that no two births are alike– even in the same family!

In this episode: 

• Two failed epidurals
• Utilizing RhoGAM shots 
• Real talk about postpartum anxiety + intrusive thoughts 
• Beyond just the itchiness of ICP 
• A one-push unmedicated delivery
• The power of preventative meds + uplifting community

Lauren has a way of telling it like it is without leaving you feeling heavy or overwhelmed (I mean, she is a rock-star of a therapist after all). Her candid discussion of the various curveballs that come with each new pregnancy reminds us to always ALWAYS check in on our friends, even the ones we think have it all together. 

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📱 Follow along on Instagram @thelaborline

Trigger Warning: Discussion of suicidal ideation (40:16 to 40:30 & 1:06:06) 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

More information on the RhoGAM shot

Chapters: 

00:00 - Meet Lauren

09:05 - 1st Pregnancy: Positive Introduction Into Motherhood

18:38 - 1st Labor: Failed Epidural -- Didn't Feel Contractions, But Felt Everything While Pushing 

23:02 - 1st Postpartum: Sweet Bonding Time + Supportive Community 

25:58 - 2nd Pregnancy: Utilizing Clomid for Fertility + RhoGAM shot

35:20 - 2nd Labor: Induction + Another Failed Epidural

38:01 - 2nd Postpartum: Anxiety, OCD Tendencies, & Breastfeeding Challenges

44:09 - 3rd Pregnancy: Itchiness with ICP (Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy) 

52:27 - 3rd Labor: Quick, One-Push Unmedicated Birth

01:01:42 - 3rd Postpartum: The Power of Preventative Meds + Uplifting Community 

01:12:30 -To My Pre-Mom Self...