The Longest Shortest Time
EPISODE #72: Stuff Mom Never Told You About C-Sections
The cesarean is one of those parenting topics that makes people feel things to the extreme. Extreme anger. Extreme disappointment. Extreme relief. Or, sometimes, a mix of all of the above, ending in extreme inner-conflict.
The cesarean rate in the US is more than double what the World Health Organization recommends. And it’s hard to find clear answers on why. There are a ton of c-section studies out there, but many of them seem to contradict each other.
Enter Cristen Conger and Caroline Erwin, the fabulous research geeks at the podcast Stuff Mom Never Told You.
Caroline Erwin + Cristen Conger
We asked Cristen and Caroline to dig up some clues for us that might help us to wrap our minds around the cesarean a little better. Tune in to hear about the strange and often creepy history of the c-section.
A 1549 woodcut of a cesarean-like procedure in Greek mythology.
Plus, we hear from listeners with surprising c-section stories, including the women pictured below.
Ana Clara was under family pressure to get a c-section
Star drove herself to the hospital, in hopes of avoiding a c-section
Tell us about YOUR c-section.
There are no easy answers on this topic. Help us to understand it better by adding your story below. Medical professional perspectives welcome!
Top image: Chamberlen obstetric forceps, which was a tool invented in the the 17th century to assist with removing the baby in difficult birthing situations.
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