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 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Let’s Talk About Home Birth vs Hospital Birth: Where and With Whom to Have Your Baby

    2 MAR

    Let’s Talk About Home Birth vs Hospital Birth: Where and With Whom to Have Your Baby

    Hospital birth, birth center, or home birth...and how do you even decide!? In the first official episode of Let’s Talk About Birth, board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by Ashley Walter, CNM; birth photographer & doula, Monet Nicole; and Dr. Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN, to unpack the realities of birth settings, safety, and choice. This conversation cuts through the noise with evidence, empathy, and clarity so listeners can feel empowered to choose what’s right for them and their babies.  We Talk About...  Hospital vs. birth center vs. home birth OB-GYNs, midwives, and doulas — who does what? What the evidence says about safety Risk tolerance and personal choice When and why birth plans change The emotional side of birth and feeling supported  Pre-Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here!     Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln    Episode Links & Resources  Ashlee Walter, CNM, MSN  Certified Nurse Midwife at Women’s Healthcare Associates  Website: https://www.whallc.com  Monet Nicole  Licensed Midwife and Founder of Monet Nicole Birth Services  Website: https://www.monetnicole.com/  Dr. Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN  Founder of Evidence Based Birth®  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth  Evidence Based Birth® Website: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/author/  Learn more about the evidence on doulas at https://ebbirth.com/doulas Learn more about the “My Doula Visit” Workbook at https://evidencebasedbirth.com/doula-workbook/ American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2017, reaffirmed 2023).” ACOG Committee Opinion No. 697: planned home birth.” Obstet Gynecol 129(4): e117–e122.Bovbjerg, M. L., Cheyney, M., Hoehn-Velasco, L., et al. (2024). “Planned Home Births in the United States Have Outcomes Comparable to Planned Birth Center Births for Low-Risk Birthing Individuals.” Med Care 62(12): 820-829.Comeau, A., Hutton, E. K., Simioni, J., et al. (2018). “Home birth integration into the health care systems of eleven international jurisdictions.” Birth 45(3): 311-321.Dias, Y., Achebe, N. E., Doering, M. M., et al. (2025). “Intrapartum doula support and Cesarean delivery rates: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Obstet Gynecol 147(1): 73–84.Falconi et al. (2024). “Role of doulas in improving maternal health and health equity among Medicaid enrollees, 2014–2023.” Am J Public Health 114(11): 1275–1285.Hutton, E. K., Cappelletti, A., Reitsma, A. H., et al. (2016). “Outcomes associated with planned place of birth among women with low-risk pregnancies.” CMAJ 188(5): E80-E90.Snowden, J. M., Tilden, E. L., Snyder, J., et al. (2015). “Planned out-of-hospital birth and birth outcomes.” N Eng J Med 383: 2642-2653. Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Campbell, K., Carson, G., Azzam, H., Hutton, E. (2019). “No. 372 - Statement on Planned Homebirth.” JOGC 41(2): 223-227.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1hr 3min
  5. A Summer Period Survival Guide

    26/06/2023

    A Summer Period Survival Guide

    Join Dr. Jen this week as she dives into something many of us can relate to: the summer period predicament. Now that we’re in the thick of the warmer months, it’s the perfect time to learn about practical tips for managing vaginal health in the heat. From period-friendly swimming options to menstrual cups and insights on period care while camping, Dr. Jen is providing the practical advice you didn't know you needed this season. She's also shedding light on vacation sex during menstruation, how to delay or skip your period, and as always, debunking myths along the way. With Dr. Jen's guidance, embrace a summer of confident and carefree period management. Get ready to make a splash with ease and knowledge!    What’s going down:    Best practices to maintain healthy vaginal hygiene in the heat    Swimming with your period    The low-down on menstrual cups and discs    Tips for managing your period while camping    Why you should have all the vacation sex during menstruation  How to properly skip your period, unlike the girl in this TikTok here.    Revealing the truth about shark attacks and periods      Thank you for continuing the conversation and calling into the Viva la Vulva Voicemail at (503) 893-2016! Please be sure to rate, follow, review, and remember that nothing is considered TMI around here.      Social & Website   TikTok: @drjenniferlincoln   Instagram: @drjenniferlincoln   YouTube: @drjenniferlincoln   Website: www.drjenniferlincoln.com      Resources    Grab a copy of my book HERE!   Obstetricians For Reproductive Justice   Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you:  Green Chef - Get 60% off plus free shipping when you go to GreenChef.com/drjen   Zocdoc - Download the Zocdoc app for FREE when you go to Zocdoc.com/DRJEN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    31 min

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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