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

In this heartfelt milestone episode, Jen and Bethany share a big announcement: The C-Section Experience is taking a temporary hiatus. They open up about the full mix of emotions—gratitude, pride, tenderness, and excitement for what comes next.

They look back on their favorite moments from the past 64 episodes: unforgettable listener messages, the conversations that changed them, the topics that stretched them, and the episodes that resonated the most with the community. They revisit lessons learned, the guests who left a lasting impact, and the stories that reminded them why this work matters.

With honesty and warmth, Jen and Bethany talk about the importance of pausing with intention—creating space to rest, reflect, and return with even more clarity and purpose. Above all, they express deep gratitude for every listener who has made this journey meaningful, and they share their hopes for the future of the podcast and the community.

Jen and Bethany get real about one of the most universal - and universally dreaded - postpartum milestones: the first poop after a C-section. With equal parts humor, honesty, and medical expertise, they unpack why it can feel so intimidating and what you can do to make it easier. They share personal stories and professional insights, break down the real reasons constipation happens after birth, and offer practical, evidence-based strategies to help new moms feel more prepared.

You'll learn:

• Why the first postpartum poop is so hard
• The difference between constipation, obstipation, and ileus
• What happens to your bowels during pregnancy, labor, and c-section surgery
• How to prep before surgery
• The best stool softeners and laxatives to use post-C-section
• How to get into the right pooping position
• Relaxation and breathing techniques to reduce pelvic floor tension
• When to worry and when to call your doctor
• How your environment, mindset, and support system play a huge role

With relatable anecdotes and zero shame, Jen and Bethany normalize a topic that every postpartum mom deals with but rarely talks about. Whether you're preparing for a planned C-section, recovering from an unplanned one, or supporting someone who is—this conversation will leave you feeling informed, reassured, and a lot less nervous about that first postpartum bathroom trip.

Jen and Bethany discuss elective C-sections, also known as cesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR)—exploring why some women choose a planned C-section without a medical indication, what the research says, and how obstetricians view these requests in real clinical practice.

Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, Jen and Bethany cover:

• Why some women prefer a planned C-section Fear of labor pain, a history of birth trauma, the desire for predictability and control, anxiety around fetal distress, prior difficult labors, and more.

• The current stance of U.S. obstetricians How OBs think about CDMR, why most are cautious, and what guidelines suggest about timing, safety, and patient counseling.

• The importance of autonomy + informed consent Why non-judgmental, thorough, two-way discussions matter when patients request a C-section—and how clinicians can support decision-making without pressure or shame.

• How common (or uncommon) maternal request C-sections actually are

• Risks, benefits, and considerations for multiple C-sections Including placenta accreta spectrum, recovery differences, and long-term planning for future pregnancies.

Anyone who's:

• considering a planned C-section

• processing previous birth trauma

• curious about their options

• preparing to talk with their OB

• wanting evidence-based clarity without the judgment

Choosing a C-section—whether for medical reasons or personal reasons—is deeply individual. Women deserve respectful, informed, and compassionate conversations about their choices. This episode helps you understand the landscape so you can approach your decision with confidence.

The first week home after a C-section is a mix of exhaustion, emotions, and endless questions - and Jen and Bethany are here to help you navigate it all.

In this episode, they walk through the first seven days after coming home, sharing realistic, day-by-day guidance for rest, recovery, and sanity. From managing pain and medication to setting up your space and remembering to eat (and breathe!), this conversation covers the things that really matter when you're healing from surgery while caring for a newborn.

They discuss:

• Rest, recovery, and realistic expectations for the first week

• What to eat and how to stay nourished when you're exhausted

• Incision care, movement, and safe ways to start gentle activity

• Setting up your home to make recovery smoother

• Mental health check-ins and carving out small moments of calm

• How to stay on top of medications and avoid common mistakes

• Managing visitors, asking for help, and giving yourself grace

With honesty and warmth, Jen and Bethany remind listeners that recovery isn't linear — it's a process that deserves patience, compassion, and support.

Whether you're preparing for your C-section or already home with your baby, this episode is your 7-day roadmap for healing, resting, and finding your strength again.

Jen and Bethany unpack one of the most serious, but fortunately rare, complications in obstetric anesthesia: high spinal anesthesia. Their goal is to help listeners who may have experienced this event, or who have questions after hearing about it, find clarity and reassurance through understanding.

Dr. Jen explains what a high spinal is, how it happens, and what signs and symptoms patients and providers look for. The conversation covers how anesthesia providers recognize and manage this emergency—especially focusing on breathing support, blood pressure stabilization, and maternal safety.

They also discuss when and why high spinal events are more likely to occur, such as when epidural and spinal techniques overlap, and what protocols are in place to respond immediately.

Beyond the medical details, Jen and Bethany explore the emotional and psychological impact of experiencing a high spinal during childbirth. They emphasize the importance of trauma-informed care, open communication, and seeking support after such a frightening event.

Jen and Bethany break down what to pack in your hospital bag for a C-section—so you feel calm, organized, and fully prepared for your big day.

You'll learn:

• C-section hospital bag essentials — including your ID, insurance card, nursing bra, comfortable clothes, breast pump, cozy blanket, and toiletries.
• What to pack for your baby — swaddles, newborn outfits, diapers, wipes, and feeding supplies.
• What your partner should bring — comfort items, snacks, entertainment, and supportive reminders.
• How to create a calm environment while packing and why this mindset matters for birth preparation.

They also share real-life packing tips, discuss common over-packing mistakes, and offer a special listener discount: 50% off their signature hospital socks at csxpodcast.com. This conversation reminds every mom that self-care starts before birth—and that even something as simple as packing a hospital bag can be an empowering, grounding ritual.

Most parents don't know they can request an anesthesia consult during pregnancy—yet it can change your birth experience. Dr. Jen (obstetric anesthesiologist) and Bethany break down what an anesthesia consult is, who should get one, ideal timing (late 2nd–early 3rd trimester), and how to ask. They cover medical reasons (cardiac, respiratory, clotting disorders, scoliosis/back surgery, Chiari malformation, neurologic conditions, airway history), pregnancy-specific scenarios (anticoagulation, placenta accreta, Jehovah's Witness), and experience-based reasons (birth trauma, anxiety, failed/complicated neuraxial, high spinal, spinal headache, difficult epidural). You'll learn what info to prepare, how consult notes follow you into delivery, and how to align your priorities—comfort, presence, pain control—into a clear plan.

What we cover

• What an anesthesia consult is and why it matters—even if you plan a vaginal birth

• Ideal timing (late 2nd–early 3rd trimester) and virtual vs. in-person options

• How to request a consult through your OB/MFM or on your own

• What to bring: meds, specialist notes, imaging (e.g., spine MRI), prior anesthesia records

• Building a plan around your priorities (awake/present, anxiety control, pain control

Key takeaways

• You can ask for an anesthesia consult; it's typically covered and documented in your chart.

• Earlier conversations = smoother day-of decisions (and backups).

• Repeat your key concerns to OB, L&D nurse, and anesthesia—redundancy keeps you safe.

• Name your priorities (presence vs. anxiety vs. pain control) to tailor meds and approach.

• If past care felt scary or unclear, a consult can help you process and plan for next time—even pre-conception.

Action steps

1. Ask your OB/MFM to place an anesthesia consult (target: 26–32 weeks).

2. Gather records: cardiology/hematology notes, recent imaging, anesthesia notes from prior birth/surgeries, med list + doses.

3. Write a 1-page summary: history, fears, must-know preferences (e.g., bonding plan, partner role if GA).

4. Confirm how consult notes will be visible to your L&D team on admission.

Jen and Bethany unpack the recent Tylenol-in-pregnancy panic—where it came from, what the evidence actually shows, and how risk–benefit thinking should guide real decisions (especially if you're having a C-section or surgery in pregnancy). We talk association vs. causation, sibling-matched data, fever and infection risks, NSAIDs across trimesters, opioids, and why blanket "never" statements hurt moms.

What you'll learn

• Why association ≠ causation—and how sibling studies change the picture

• The difference between treating pain/fever vs. doing nothing in pregnancy

• NSAIDs by trimester

• Opioids: real risks, real indications

• How to use risk–benefit thinking like your care team does

• A simple breathing tool for anxious moments

Takeaways

• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time—that guidance hasn't changed.

• Untreated fever/pain can carry their own risks.

• Big, scary claims without context are red flags—ask for data, not headlines.

What's it really like to be a dad during a C-section? In this episode of The C-Section Experience, Jen and Bethany shine a light on the often-overlooked experiences of fathers and partners in the operating room and beyond.

Bethany shares her own family's story while walking through responses to ten candid questions answered by dads who've been through C-sections with their partners. From the emotional weight of watching surgery unfold, to advocating for their partner, to figuring out how to best help at home—this episode gives dads a voice and offers actionable tips for those preparing for the journey.

• The emotional challenges dads face before, during, and after a C-section.

• How dads can advocate for their partners in the hospital.

• What to expect during recovery at home and how to play an active role in caregiving.

• Practical ways to manage visitors and discharge stress.

• The importance of humor, connection, and teamwork in navigating early parenthood.

This episode reminds us that dads need support, too. By hearing directly from fathers who've walked this path, new and expecting dads will feel more prepared, less alone, and better equipped to show up for their partners and babies.

In this episode of The C-Section Experience, Jen and Bethany conclude their two-part discussion on intraoperative pain during cesarean deliveries—a topic rarely talked about but deeply important for moms.

They revisit the pain assessment challenges explored in Episode 4 and highlight Heather Nixon's innovative approach of continually assessing pain levels throughout surgery. The conversation dives into practical solutions, system improvements, and how communication and trust between patients and providers can make all the difference.

Listeners will learn about:

• How anesthesiologists monitor and respond to intraoperative pain during C-sections

• The psychological impact of pain on mothers and why validation matters

• Options if pain relief is incomplete (including the use of general anesthesia)

• Common misconceptions about general anesthesia and when it may be appropriate

• The four key things every mother should know before a C-section to feel prepared and empowered

This episode emphasizes patient education, proactive communication, and the importance of evolving pain-management practices through feedback and continuous improvement.

Whether you're preparing for a planned C-section, processing a previous experience, or supporting someone through surgery, this conversation provides insight, validation, and practical takeaways.