My Birth Stories: Consent, Advocacy, and Being Heard with Dr. Wendy Goodall McDonald

A healthy baby does not always mean a mother felt heard, supported, or included in her birth experience.In this episode, Lauren shares the very different stories of giving birth to her son at 23 and later delivering her twin daughters during the pandemic. She reflects on being dismissed during her first labor, experiencing procedures without meaningful explanation or consent, and later discovering how different birth can feel when a provider treats you as an active participant in your care.Lauren is joined by board-certified OBGYN, author, educator, and founder of Every Body, Dr. Wendy Goodall McDonald, also known as Dr. Every Woman. Together, they discuss medical consent, provider bias, birth advocacy, episiotomies, C-sections, breech twin deliveries, home birth risks, postpartum care, and what it looks like to find a provider who truly listens.They also explore why advocacy does not have to mean entering the room ready for a fight. It can start with asking informed questions, expecting clear explanations, and building a relationship based on mutual respect.In This EpisodeThe difference between a healthy outcome and a supported birth experienceWhy consent matters throughout labor, delivery, and routine careQuestions to ask when choosing an OBGYNEpisiotomies, C-sections, and breech twin deliveriesHow to speak up when something feels wrong postpartumThe role of doulas and midwivesHome birth risks and the importance of understanding complicationsPerimenopause, irregular periods, and knowing when to seek careKey TakeawayYour provider may have medical expertise, but you still have agency. You deserve to understand what is happening to your body, ask questions, and participate in every decision.About Dr. WendyDr. Wendy Goodall McDonald is a board-certified OBGYN, author, educator, and founder of Every Body. Known online as Dr. Every Woman, she makes women’s health approachable, informative, and easier to talk about.Follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @DrEveryWoman.Shop Every Bodi products at https://everybodibrand.com, and visit her website at https://dreverywoman.com/.This episode includes detailed discussions of childbirth, birth trauma, postpartum injury, pregnancy loss, and maternal health complications.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy