Let's Talk About Birth

Let’s Talk About Birth is a limited podcast series hosted by board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, returning to the mic to keep the conversation going, this time with a focus on birth. In a space filled with noise, from unsolicited “helpful” advice to the overwhelming and often inaccurate information online, coupled with a medical system that is not meeting the needs of pregnant people, this series cuts through the chaos to talk about what truly matters. With a refreshingly honest, myth-busting approach to pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, Dr. Jen brings evidence-based insight, compassion, humor, and relatability to inspiring conversations with a wide range of guests, unpacking the beautiful, the messy, and everything in between. You may recognize her voice from her previous podcast Let’s Talk About Down There or from her presence as a reproductive health advocate to more than 4 million followers, and now she’s back with a series designed to inform, support, and empower. She’s also the author of her latest book, The Birth Book: An OBGYN’s Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery, which aims to pull back the curtain on labor and delivery so every pregnant person can have the birth they want and deserve. So whether you’re expecting, have been through it, are supporting someone you love, or are simply curious… let’s talk about birth!

  1. Let’s Talk About Stillbirth and Loss: The Pregnancies We Don't Talk About Enough

    15 HR AGO

    Let’s Talk About Stillbirth and Loss: The Pregnancies We Don't Talk About Enough

    Content warning: This episode contains candid discussion of stillbirth, pregnancy loss, and abortion. Please take care of yourself as you listen.   Pregnancy loss and the fight for reproductive care are topics too many people are navigating alone and in an increasingly complicated legal landscape. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by Ana Lepe Vick, communications director and co-founder of Push for Empowered Pregnancy, and mother who lost her son Owen to stillbirth, and Amanda Zurawski, reproductive rights advocate and plaintiff in the landmark Zurawski v. Texas case, who was denied a medically necessary abortion in Texas and nearly died waiting for care she was legally entitled to receive.   We Talk About…   Why "life of the mother" exceptions don't work the way people think, and why the language of abortion laws leaves doctors afraid to act  New research showing stillbirth is more common than previously understood, affecting 1 in 150 births  What it means that 36% of U.S. counties are maternal care deserts  Giving people tools to feel empowered rather than paralyzed by worry, and why normalizing these conversations matters  Why pregnancy is too complicated to legislate, and what 80% of Americans actually believe about who should be making these decisions  How to memorialize and remember a baby after stillbirth and what to research about your hospital and doctors before heading in   Episode Links & Resources:     Zurawski v. Texas (documentary)   Griffin Cares Foundation   PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy  Short Film "Stillness is an Illness"    Follow Ana Lepe Vick & Amanda Zurawski   Ana Lepe Vick's Instagram: @stillmyson   Amanda Zurawski’s Instagram: @ace.is.wild   Push for Empowered Pregnancy: @pushpregnancy   Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!     Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1hr 5min
  2. Let's Talk About the Partner Experience: What Dads and Partners Really Go Through After Birth

    20 APR

    Let's Talk About the Partner Experience: What Dads and Partners Really Go Through After Birth

    Partners are often the ones holding everything together after birth, but who's holding them up? In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by her husband Dr. Doug Lincoln, board-certified pediatrician, and Dr. Will Flanary AKA Dr. Glaucomflecken, ophthalmologist, medical comedian, testicular cancer survivor, and cardiac arrest survivor, for an honest and long-overdue conversation about what dads and partners actually experience during the perinatal period, and why so few feel like they can talk about it.  We Talk About…  The 8–10% of dads who will experience postpartum depression in the first year and how it looks different than it does in moms Why current screening tools often fall short for partners and what better support could look like Co-survivorship and vicarious medical trauma: what happens when we prioritize the patient without thinking about the people beside them The data: anxiety, burnout, fear, and the pressure to be the perfect parent Replacing the "here's what not to do" script with positive models of masculinity Practical tips for partners supporting their partners (featuring lots of pillow talk)   Episode Links/Resources:    Follow Pediatricians for Trustworthy Content on Children’s Health  Follow Dr. Doug Lincoln & Dr. Will Flanary  Dr. Flanary’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docglauc/?hl=en  Dr. Flanary’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drglaucomflecken  Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!    Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln     See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    50 min
  3. Let’s Talk About Epidurals and Labor Anesthesia: What You Need to Know

    13 APR

    Let’s Talk About Epidurals and Labor Anesthesia: What You Need to Know

    Epidural or not… what’s actually true when it comes to pain management in labor? In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by board-certified anesthesiologist Dr. John Patton to break down what you should know about your options, what to expect, and how to make informed decisions during labor. Whether you’re planning an epidural or just want to understand what’s available, this conversation is all about giving you clarity and confidence going into birth.  We Talk About...  • What anesthesiologists do and how care teams work on labor and delivery  • How epidurals work and what the process actually feels like  • Common myths including timing, C-section risk, and back pain  • Pain management options including nitrous oxide, IV meds, and non-medical tools  • The role of fentanyl in a medical setting  • Why eating during labor is still debated    Episode Links/Resources:   Statement on Oral Intake During Labor Evidence on: Eating and Drinking During Labor   Follow Dr. John Patton (JP3)  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docjp3  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@docjp3  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/John-W-Patton-III-MD-MBA-100066730363062/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@docjp3  X: https://x.com/drjohnpatton    Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!   Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1hr 1min
  4. Let’s Talk About Birth Disparities and Maternal Health Inequality

    6 APR

    Let’s Talk About Birth Disparities and Maternal Health Inequality

    Why are birth outcomes in the U.S. still so unequal and what can you actually do about it? In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by Silvia Salazar, a Colombian-born political content creator and founder of Tono Latino, and Rose Horton, RN, founder and CEO of Not On My Watch Consulting Partners and President of AWHONN, to unpack the reality of maternal health disparities, share powerful real-life experiences, and offer practical ways to advocate for yourself and others.   We Talk About…  • Maternal health disparities and why outcomes differ across racial and ethnic groups  • How bias, communication gaps, and systemic barriers impact care  • Real stories that highlight gaps in care and patient experience  • How fear and access affect healthcare decisions in marginalized communities  • Why respectful, patient-centered care matters  • How to advocate for yourself and support others  Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!     Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln  Episode Links & Resources:  Silvia Salazar Breaking the Feed podcast  Rose Horton  AWHONN   Preeclampsia Foundation   Legacy by Dr. Blackstock  Healthy Mom & Baby Magazine   Nobody Told Me About That by Ginger Breedlove   Download the Count the Kicks App   Birth Vibes by Dr. Jen Hamilton   Siembra North Carolina   Community Change Action  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    58 min
  5. Let’s Talk About When Birth Doesn’t Go as Planned: Complications and Unexpected Outcomes

    23 MAR

    Let’s Talk About When Birth Doesn’t Go as Planned: Complications and Unexpected Outcomes

    Not every birth goes according to plan and that can be really hard to talk about. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by OB-GYN Dr. Maryanne Garvie and nurse Courtney Dimmick, who share a uniquely personal and professional perspective on what happens when things take an unexpected turn. Maryanne was Courtney’s doctor during her delivery and they also work together at the same hospital, offering a rare look at both sides of the experience. Through Courtney’s story and their shared insight, they unpack how quickly situations can change, what’s happening behind the scenes during emergencies, and how to navigate the emotional impact when birth doesn’t go as planned.    We Talk About...  • What it really means when “things don’t go as planned” during birth  • Postpartum hemorrhage, emergency interventions, and what’s happening behind the scenes  • Why birth trauma is personal and not defined by outcomes alone  • How to prepare for the unexpected without spiraling into fear  • What support, communication, and informed consent should look like in real time  • Processing a difficult birth experience and why your feelings are valid    Pre-Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!     Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln  Episode Links & Resources:  1. Postpartum Support International: Resources for postpartum depression, anxiety, trauma, and more   2. Make Birth Better — UK-based organization with excellent informational PDFs  3. Birth Trauma Association — UK-based, extensive information and support  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    54 min
  6. Let’s Talk About Choosing a Pediatrician for Your Newborn

    16 MAR

    Let’s Talk About Choosing a Pediatrician for Your Newborn

    Choosing a pediatrician is one of the first major decisions you’ll make as a parent, and it can come with a lot of questions. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln sits down with board-certified pediatrician and founder of Peds Doc Talk, Dr. Mona Amin, to talk about what parents should know before their baby arrives. From navigating vaccine conversations and newborn medications to making feeding decisions and finding a pediatrician you trust, this conversation offers practical guidance and reassurance for the early days of parenting.  We Talk About…  How to choose a pediatrician and why prenatal “meet and greet” visits can help you find the right fit Why vaccine hesitancy is increasing and how parents can find reliable, evidence-based information The purpose of the newborn Hepatitis B vaccine, Vitamin K, and antibiotic eye ointment Breastfeeding, formula feeding, and making informed feeding decisions without guilt How misinformation spreads online and how parents can advocate for their child’s care  Dr. Mona’s personal birth story and how it shaped her perspective as both a physician and a parent   Pre-Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!     Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln  Episode Links & Resources:  Dr. Mona Amin   @pedsdoctalk  Pedsdoctalk.com   The Peds Doc Talk Podcast  American Academy of Pediatrics  Vaccine Education Center See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1hr 7min
  7. Let’s Talk About Hospital Birth: The Inside Scoop on Labor and Delivery

    9 MAR

    Let’s Talk About Hospital Birth: The Inside Scoop on Labor and Delivery

    Hospital birth gets a lot of opinions and not always a lot of nuance. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by labor and delivery nurse and educator Jen Hamilton for an honest, funny, and refreshingly transparent conversation about what really happens on labor and delivery. From outdated hospital policies and informed consent to epidurals, unmedicated birth, staffing ratios, doulas, and birth trauma, this is the inside scoop on how to navigate the system while still feeling empowered. If you’re planning a hospital birth and want practical tips, myth-busting clarity, and a reminder that your voice matters, this one’s for you.  We Talk About…  The real inside scoop on hospital birth and informed consent How to prepare for pain management, with or without an epidural Choosing your provider and why staffing ratios matter Myths about birth positions, doulas, C-sections, and your placenta How to advocate for yourself if something feels off Planning your birth “vibes,” not just your birth plan  Pre-Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!   Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln  Episode Links & Resources:   Jen Hamilton  @_jen_hamilton_  Pre-order Birth Vibes, wherever you get your books.  www.jenhamilton.co/birthvibes  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 hr

About

Let’s Talk About Birth is a limited podcast series hosted by board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, returning to the mic to keep the conversation going, this time with a focus on birth. In a space filled with noise, from unsolicited “helpful” advice to the overwhelming and often inaccurate information online, coupled with a medical system that is not meeting the needs of pregnant people, this series cuts through the chaos to talk about what truly matters. With a refreshingly honest, myth-busting approach to pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, Dr. Jen brings evidence-based insight, compassion, humor, and relatability to inspiring conversations with a wide range of guests, unpacking the beautiful, the messy, and everything in between. You may recognize her voice from her previous podcast Let’s Talk About Down There or from her presence as a reproductive health advocate to more than 4 million followers, and now she’s back with a series designed to inform, support, and empower. She’s also the author of her latest book, The Birth Book: An OBGYN’s Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery, which aims to pull back the curtain on labor and delivery so every pregnant person can have the birth they want and deserve. So whether you’re expecting, have been through it, are supporting someone you love, or are simply curious… let’s talk about birth!

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