Let's Talk About the "After": What Really Happens Postpartum

This one is for after the baby arrives…but you'll want to listen before, too. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, pelvic floor physical therapist and author of Power to the Pelvis; Dr. Kristin Lasseter, board-certified reproductive psychiatrist and founder of Reproductive Psychiatry Counseling; and Arielle Fodor, aka Mrs. Frazzled, mom of three, former kindergarten teacher, education advocate, and host of the Teacher Quit Talk podcast, for an honest, judgment-free conversation about what actually happens after we give birth, and why we've been so bad at talking about it.We Talk About…Bounce-back culture: the pressure to be "back to normal" by six weeks, and why that timeline is a mythWhat the pelvic floor really goes through, whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, and why Kegel challenges on social media are doing more harm than goodThe hormone cliff: why estrogen and progesterone plummet after delivery, what that does to your brain, and why feeling emotionally off in those early weeks is not a personal failingThe "sticky thought" concept and how to recognize when you might need extra supportWhy pelvic floor therapy and mental health care are both hard to access and harder to get covered by insuranceMisinformation about stopping medication during pregnancy, and where to go for reliable guidanceFeeding your baby: why "breast is best" is a harmful phrase, and why informed and supported is what really mattersEpisode Links & Resources:Postpartum Support InternationalInfant Risk CenterMotherToBabyPower to the PelvisFollow our guests:Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas’ Instagram @thepelvicdancefloor & TikTok: @thepelvicdancefloorDr. Kristin Lasseter’s Instagram: @the.reproductive.psychiatrist & TikTok: @the.repro.psychArielle Fodor a.k.a. Mrs. Frazzled Instagram: @mrs.frazzled & TikTok: @mrs.frazzled, Teacher Quit Talk Podcast Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!  Follow your host @drjenniferlincolnSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Content warning: This episode contains candid discussion of stillbirth, pregnancy loss, and abortion. Please take care of yourself as you listen.  Pregnancy loss and the fight for reproductive care are topics too many people are navigating alone and in an increasingly complicated legal landscape. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by Ana Lepe Vick, communications director and co-founder of Push for Empowered Pregnancy, and mother who lost her son Owen to stillbirth, and Amanda Zurawski, reproductive rights advocate and plaintiff in the landmark Zurawski v. Texas case, who was denied a medically necessary abortion in Texas and nearly died waiting for care she was legally entitled to receive.  We Talk About…  Why "life of the mother" exceptions don't work the way people think, and why the language of abortion laws leaves doctors afraid to act  New research showing stillbirth is more common than previously understood, affecting 1 in 150 births  What it means that 36% of U.S. counties are maternal care deserts  Giving people tools to feel empowered rather than paralyzed by worry, and why normalizing these conversations matters  Why pregnancy is too complicated to legislate, and what 80% of Americans actually believe about who should be making these decisions  How to memorialize and remember a baby after stillbirth and what to research about your hospital and doctors before heading in  Episode Links & Resources:    Zurawski v. Texas (documentary)  Griffin Cares Foundation  PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy Short Film "Stillness is an Illness"  Follow Ana Lepe Vick & Amanda Zurawski  Ana Lepe Vick's Instagram: @stillmyson  Amanda Zurawski’s Instagram: @ace.is.wild  Push for Empowered Pregnancy: @pushpregnancy  Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!    Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Partners are often the ones holding everything together after birth, but who's holding them up? In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by her husband Dr. Doug Lincoln, board-certified pediatrician, and Dr. Will Flanary AKA Dr. Glaucomflecken, ophthalmologist, medical comedian, testicular cancer survivor, and cardiac arrest survivor, for an honest and long-overdue conversation about what dads and partners actually experience during the perinatal period, and why so few feel like they can talk about it. We Talk About… The 8–10% of dads who will experience postpartum depression in the first year and how it looks different than it does in moms Why current screening tools often fall short for partners and what better support could look like Co-survivorship and vicarious medical trauma: what happens when we prioritize the patient without thinking about the people beside them The data: anxiety, burnout, fear, and the pressure to be the perfect parent Replacing the "here's what not to do" script with positive models of masculinity Practical tips for partners supporting their partners (featuring lots of pillow talk)  Episode Links/Resources:   Follow Pediatricians for Trustworthy Content on Children’s Health Follow Dr. Doug Lincoln & Dr. Will Flanary Dr. Flanary’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docglauc/?hl=en Dr. Flanary’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drglaucomflecken Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!   Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Epidural or not… what’s actually true when it comes to pain management in labor? In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by board-certified anesthesiologist Dr. John Patton to break down what you should know about your options, what to expect, and how to make informed decisions during labor. Whether you’re planning an epidural or just want to understand what’s available, this conversation is all about giving you clarity and confidence going into birth. We Talk About... • What anesthesiologists do and how care teams work on labor and delivery • How epidurals work and what the process actually feels like • Common myths including timing, C-section risk, and back pain • Pain management options including nitrous oxide, IV meds, and non-medical tools • The role of fentanyl in a medical setting • Why eating during labor is still debated  Episode Links/Resources:  Statement on Oral Intake During LaborEvidence on: Eating and Drinking During Labor Follow Dr. John Patton (JP3) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docjp3 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@docjp3 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/John-W-Patton-III-MD-MBA-100066730363062/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@docjp3 X: https://x.com/drjohnpatton  Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!  Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why are birth outcomes in the U.S. still so unequal and what can you actually do about it? In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by Silvia Salazar, a Colombian-born political content creator and founder of Tono Latino, and Rose Horton, RN, founder and CEO of Not On My Watch Consulting Partners and President of AWHONN, to unpack the reality of maternal health disparities, share powerful real-life experiences, and offer practical ways to advocate for yourself and others.  We Talk About… • Maternal health disparities and why outcomes differ across racial and ethnic groups • How bias, communication gaps, and systemic barriers impact care • Real stories that highlight gaps in care and patient experience • How fear and access affect healthcare decisions in marginalized communities • Why respectful, patient-centered care matters • How to advocate for yourself and support others Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!   Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln Episode Links & Resources: Silvia Salazar Breaking the Feed podcast Rose Horton AWHONN  Preeclampsia Foundation  Legacy by Dr. Blackstock Healthy Mom & Baby Magazine  Nobody Told Me About That by Ginger Breedlove  Download the Count the Kicks App  Birth Vibes by Dr. Jen Hamilton  Siembra North Carolina  Community Change Action See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You might not know what an OB hospitalist is until you meet one and often, that meeting happens in an unexpected moment. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by OB-GYN hospitalist Dr. Jessica Geida to break down what hospitalists actually do, how this model is changing birth, and why having a doctor in the hospital 24/7 matters. From emergencies to everyday labor support, they share what it looks like to build trust quickly, support patients through high-stress moments, and help you feel informed and empowered no matter how your birth unfolds.  We Talk About... What an OB hospitalist is and when you’ll meet one How hospitalists improve safety and support during labor and delivery Building trust and communicating clearly in high-stress moments How to advocate for yourself and use your support team effectively Navigating birth preferences and making informed decisions in real time Why birth trauma can happen even when everything is medically “normal  Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!   Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln Episode Links & Resources: Jess Geida The Society of OBGYN Hospitalists: What is an OBGYN Hospitalist? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Not every birth goes according to plan and that can be really hard to talk about. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by OB-GYN Dr. Maryanne Garvie and nurse Courtney Dimmick, who share a uniquely personal and professional perspective on what happens when things take an unexpected turn. Maryanne was Courtney’s doctor during her delivery and they also work together at the same hospital, offering a rare look at both sides of the experience. Through Courtney’s story and their shared insight, they unpack how quickly situations can change, what’s happening behind the scenes during emergencies, and how to navigate the emotional impact when birth doesn’t go as planned.  We Talk About... • What it really means when “things don’t go as planned” during birth • Postpartum hemorrhage, emergency interventions, and what’s happening behind the scenes • Why birth trauma is personal and not defined by outcomes alone • How to prepare for the unexpected without spiraling into fear • What support, communication, and informed consent should look like in real time • Processing a difficult birth experience and why your feelings are valid  Pre-Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!   Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln Episode Links & Resources: 1. Postpartum Support International: Resources for postpartum depression, anxiety, trauma, and more  2. Make Birth Better — UK-based organization with excellent informational PDFs 3. Birth Trauma Association — UK-based, extensive information and support See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Choosing a pediatrician is one of the first major decisions you’ll make as a parent, and it can come with a lot of questions. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln sits down with board-certified pediatrician and founder of Peds Doc Talk, Dr. Mona Amin, to talk about what parents should know before their baby arrives. From navigating vaccine conversations and newborn medications to making feeding decisions and finding a pediatrician you trust, this conversation offers practical guidance and reassurance for the early days of parenting. We Talk About… How to choose a pediatrician and why prenatal “meet and greet” visits can help you find the right fit Why vaccine hesitancy is increasing and how parents can find reliable, evidence-based information The purpose of the newborn Hepatitis B vaccine, Vitamin K, and antibiotic eye ointment Breastfeeding, formula feeding, and making informed feeding decisions without guilt How misinformation spreads online and how parents can advocate for their child’s care  Dr. Mona’s personal birth story and how it shaped her perspective as both a physician and a parent  Pre-Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!   Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln Episode Links & Resources: Dr. Mona Amin  @pedsdoctalk Pedsdoctalk.com  The Peds Doc Talk Podcast American Academy of Pediatrics Vaccine Education CenterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hospital birth gets a lot of opinions and not always a lot of nuance. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by labor and delivery nurse and educator Jen Hamilton for an honest, funny, and refreshingly transparent conversation about what really happens on labor and delivery. From outdated hospital policies and informed consent to epidurals, unmedicated birth, staffing ratios, doulas, and birth trauma, this is the inside scoop on how to navigate the system while still feeling empowered. If you’re planning a hospital birth and want practical tips, myth-busting clarity, and a reminder that your voice matters, this one’s for you. We Talk About… The real inside scoop on hospital birth and informed consent How to prepare for pain management, with or without an epidural Choosing your provider and why staffing ratios matter Myths about birth positions, doulas, C-sections, and your placenta How to advocate for yourself if something feels off Planning your birth “vibes,” not just your birth plan Pre-Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!  Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln Episode Links & Resources:  Jen Hamilton @_jen_hamilton_ Pre-order Birth Vibes, wherever you get your books. www.jenhamilton.co/birthvibes See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hospital birth, birth center, or home birth...and how do you even decide!? In the first official episode of Let’s Talk About Birth, board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by Ashley Walter, CNM; birth photographer & doula, Monet Nicole; and Dr. Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN, to unpack the realities of birth settings, safety, and choice. This conversation cuts through the noise with evidence, empathy, and clarity so listeners can feel empowered to choose what’s right for them and their babies. We Talk About... Hospital vs. birth center vs. home birth OB-GYNs, midwives, and doulas — who does what? What the evidence says about safety Risk tolerance and personal choice When and why birth plans change The emotional side of birth and feeling supported Pre-Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!   Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln  Episode Links & Resources Ashlee Walter, CNM, MSN Certified Nurse Midwife at Women’s Healthcare Associates Website: https://www.whallc.com Monet Nicole Licensed Midwife and Founder of Monet Nicole Birth Services Website: https://www.monetnicole.com/ Dr. Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN Founder of Evidence Based Birth® Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth Evidence Based Birth® Website: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/author/ Learn more about the evidence on doulas at https://ebbirth.com/doulasLearn more about the “My Doula Visit” Workbook at https://evidencebasedbirth.com/doula-workbook/American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2017, reaffirmed 2023).” ACOG Committee Opinion No. 697: planned home birth.” Obstet Gynecol 129(4): e117–e122.Bovbjerg, M. L., Cheyney, M., Hoehn-Velasco, L., et al. (2024). “Planned Home Births in the United States Have Outcomes Comparable to Planned Birth Center Births for Low-Risk Birthing Individuals.” Med Care 62(12): 820-829.Comeau, A., Hutton, E. K., Simioni, J., et al. (2018). “Home birth integration into the health care systems of eleven international jurisdictions.” Birth 45(3): 311-321.Dias, Y., Achebe, N. E., Doering, M. M., et al. (2025). “Intrapartum doula support and Cesarean delivery rates: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Obstet Gynecol 147(1): 73–84.Falconi et al. (2024). “Role of doulas in improving maternal health and health equity among Medicaid enrollees, 2014–2023.” Am J Public Health 114(11): 1275–1285.Hutton, E. K., Cappelletti, A., Reitsma, A. H., et al. (2016). “Outcomes associated with planned place of birth among women with low-risk pregnancies.” CMAJ 188(5): E80-E90.Snowden, J. M., Tilden, E. L., Snyder, J., et al. (2015). “Planned out-of-hospital birth and birth outcomes.” N Eng J Med 383: 2642-2653. Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Campbell, K., Carson, G., Azzam, H., Hutton, E. (2019). “No. 372 - Statement on Planned Homebirth.” JOGC 41(2): 223-227. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.