The Longest Shortest Time

EPISODE #226: The Insidious Power of Men Over Motherhood

Ali Yarrow thought her childbirth experience would be hers to guide. Instead, she found it was guided by the American obstetrics system — a model that was designed by men. Ali documented what she uncovered in her eye-opening book, Birth Control, and joins us to share what she learned about maternal care in the U.S., how we got here, and how to advocate for ourselves in a system stacked against both patients and providers.

Tune in to hear Ali bust all kinds of myths about pregnancy and childbirth — and the inside scoop on what it’s like for her and Hillary to be told so many traumatic birth stories.

Recommendations from the archive
• #27 Rewriting Your Birth Story
• #28 The Missing Chapter to Ina May’s Guide
• #218 Ina May’s Guide, Completely Revised and Updated

Doula Resources
Doulas often lead to better birth outcomes. Find one in your area through DONA International.

Doula Training
If you’re a birth partner, you can train to be a doula yourself!
• DONA birth doula certification training
• CAPPA birth doula certification training
• MaternityWise Institute birth doula certification training

Low-Cost/No-Cost Doula Services
Many cities have low/no-cost doula programs for low-income individuals. Contact local birthing centers, hospitals, and state health departments for more info. Below are some examples.
• NYC’s Citywide Doula Initiative
• HealthConnect One community based doula services
• Community Doula Network (DC Area)
• Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance (LA Area)

Top photo by Gwen Schroeder; Ali’s headshot by Beowulf Sheehan