Episode 40: What to Expect in Labor and Delivery with Jennifer Lincoln, MD

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Gynarchy Podcast, we talk with board-certified OB-GYN, author, educator, and OB hospitalist Dr. Jennifer Lincoln about what patients should really expect during labor and delivery. We discuss her new book, The Birth Book: An OB-GYN’s Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery, and dive into the realities of childbirth, informed consent, birth trauma, patient advocacy, and the current maternal health crisis in the United States.Dr. Lincoln shares her journey into obstetrics and explains why she felt compelled to write a comprehensive, accessible guide focused specifically on labor and delivery. We discuss how misinformation online, distrust in the medical system, and gaps in prenatal education can leave patients feeling unprepared and disempowered. She also offers practical guidance for advocating for yourself during labor, navigating birth preferences, understanding interventions like epidurals and C-sections, and creating a more informed and empowering birth experience.Topics we cover in this episode:Why Dr. Lincoln wrote The Birth Book and the gap it fills in pregnancy educationHow social media has changed the way patients seek information about childbirthCommon myths and misinformation about labor, epidurals, inductions, and C-sectionsThe growing distrust of physicians and the impact of misinformation onlineHow the U.S. maternal healthcare system contributes to poor birth outcomesMaternal healthcare deserts and the shortage of OB-GYNs and labor unitsWhy labor and delivery care is often undervalued in hospital systemsHow to advocate for yourself during labor and deliveryQuestions patients should ask their providers before birthThe importance of informed consent and shared decision-makingWhy Dr. Lincoln uses the term “birth preferences” instead of “birth plan”Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and misconceptions surrounding repeat C-sectionsCesarean delivery on maternal request and respecting patient autonomyHow prior trauma, medical anxiety, and tokophobia can shape birth decisionsWhat birth trauma can look like and why patients do not need to “prove” their traumaSupporting patients experiencing stillbirth and gaps in physician training around grief and lossThe role of partners and doulas in labor support and advocacyPostpartum depression and anxietyWhat an empowered birth experience can look likeHow providers can improve communication by changing the way they ask questionsFunny and memorable labor and delivery stories from Dr. Lincoln’s careerManaging difficult family dynamics and protecting patients’ autonomy during laborThe ethics of forced medical interventions during pregnancyHow pregnancy can impact legal and medical autonomy in the United StatesWhy declining fertility rates are connected to healthcare access and family support systemsThe longstanding problem of dismissing women’s pain in medicinePain management during labor, gynecologic procedures, and IUD insertionsWhy believing women is essential to improving healthcare experiences and outcomesTune in Monday, June 1st, and subscribe to The Gynarchy Podcast to stay updated on future episodes.Connect with Jennifer Lincoln, MD:Website: www.drjenniferlincoln.comBook: The Birth Book: An OB-GYN’s Guide to Demystifying Labor and DeliveryPodcast: Let’s Talk About BirthInstagram/TikTok: @‌drjenniferlincolnSupport the showThe Gynarchy Podcast is available now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms. Follow Us for Updates:‌Bluesky: @thegynarchy Instagram: @thegynarchyTikTok: @thegynarchy YouTube: @thegynarchyNewsletter sign upWebsite: www.thegynarchypodcast.com‌Earn FREE CE/CME credit for listening to our episodes by joining the Learn at Pinnacle app:https://learnatpinnacle.com/education______Disclaimer: This podcast and related content are for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute medical, financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. Views expressed are those of the hosts and guests, not their employers, and are not tailored to individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions. By using this content, you agree the creators are not liable for any outcomes or damages resulting from reliance on it.Inclusivity statement:  The Gynarchy is cr...