Ep 271: The Pain of a C-Section Without Anesthesia with Author Rachel Somerstein

In this episode I’m chatting with Rachel Somerstein about her traumatic experience having a C-section without adequate anesthesia. Already a professional journalist, this experience led Rachel to write her first book, Invisible Labor: The Untold Story of the Cesarean Section. In Invisible Labor Rachel weaves her personal narrative and investigative journalism with medical, social, and cultural history to reveal the surprising evolution of the cesarean section: from its days being practiced on enslaved and “unfit” women, to the ways modern technology promotes its overuse. It’s very common not to prepare for the possibility of a cesarean birth (Rachel didn’t). Even if you are completely healthy and it seems unlikely, you need to understand that a C-section is possible. If you want to know which questions to ask in order to understand if it’s medically necessary and what your options are, you need to be educated on all potential outcomes.In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:Why Rachel didn’t plan for a C-sectionWhat happened when she told her OB she wasn’t numb during surgeryHow this experience affected her ability to bond with her new babyWhat long-term effects she experienced as a result of her traumatic birthHow therapy helped her discover that she wanted a second baby but fear was holding her backWhy it’s important to find a care team that enthusiastically supports your decision to try for a VBACWhat challenges came with giving birth in 2020How her recovery was different in her first versus second birthHow she processed her internalized stigmas about cesarean birth--Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode271Check out The Birth Preparation CourseRegister for the class How to Make a Birth Plan the Right WayFree Resources to Help You Birth With PowerGet the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:• Hospital Tour Scorecard — Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You — Ask the right questions and spot red flags early• Labor Pain Management Playbook — Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patientsOur Sponsors:* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com/DRNICOLEAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy