Shows
The C-Spot: A Podcast about C-SectionsEpisode 14: Courtney's C-Section JourneyDuring this episode, I connected with Courtney - a Mama of three who has had 3 unplanned C-sections. Her first C-section was a result of being diagnosed with HELLP syndrome. Although her doctors attempted to induce labor, the interventions to manage induction along with the side effects from HELLP syndrome resulted in a C-section under general anesthesia. She attempted a VBAC with her second baby - after an induction at 41 weeks pregnant, Courtney's birth experience also resulted in a C-section. With her third baby, we talked about doing "all the things" to prepare for a VBA2C, but she developed...
2024-01-191h 27The C-Spot: A Podcast about C-SectionsEpisode 13: Becca's C-Section JourneyEpisode 13 features Becca, an amazing Mama of three boys. Becca and I discovered that we had quite a bit in common - on top of both of us having three sons, we have also both had 3 C-sections. Becca's first C-section began as an induction at 42 weeks; her son was experiencing heart rate decels and labor was not progressing. After this C-section, her recovery was complicated due to needing wound care for several weeks. When Becca became pregnant with her second son, she was determined to achieve a VBAC. Halfway through her pregnancy, she discovered that she had complete placenta...
2023-12-1255 minThe C-Spot: A Podcast about C-SectionsEpisode 12: Sara's C-Section JourneyOur guest for Episode 12 is Sara, a Mama of three beautiful babies. Sara experienced a vaginal birth with her first child, but, while she was in labor with her second child, she found out - at 8 centimeters dilated - that her baby was transverse. This resulted in her first unplanned C-section, with an internal vertical incision. Sara had a planned C-section for her third baby at 37 weeks due to the nature of the first C-section. While listening to Sara's story, you will discover that her two C-sections were completely different experiences. Her second C-section resulted in a pulmonary embolism...
2023-11-2056 minThe C-Spot: A Podcast about C-SectionsEpisode 11: Amy's C-Section JourneyThis episode features a chat I had with Amy about her C-section experience in April 2021. Amy and I were both Science teachers at the same middle school, and I remember when she and her wife were expecting their daughter a few years ago. Amy talked about having her daughter at 32 weeks after being diagnosed with HELLP syndrome. This podcast episode was recorded a couple of months after the death of Tori Bowie, an Olympic athlete who died from complications due to childbirth. It is suspected that Tori died from eclampsia and possibly even HELLP syndrome.Some of...
2023-09-2043 minThe C-Spot: A Podcast about C-SectionsEpisode 10: Elizabeth's C-Section JourneyOur guest for Episode 10 is Elizabeth, a Mama warrior who experienced two vaginal births before needing an emergency C-section at 38 weeks with her third child due to HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome, which stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelets, is a rare, severe type of preeclampsia that affects the blood and liver. It can be life threatening for Mama and baby. Elizabeth discusses a whirlwind of emotions with this unexpected diagnosis during the COVID pandemic, from being sedated for her C-section to her baby needing a NICU stay.Some of the topics we talked about...
2023-08-3053 minThe C-Spot: A Podcast about C-SectionsEpisode 9: Katie's C-Section JourneyAre you a Mama that had a vaginal birth with your first child but ended up with a C-section for your second child? Episode 9 highlights Katie's birth experiences: Katie was able to experience a vaginal birth with her first son, but had to have a C-section two years later with her second son at 36 weeks due to having a complete placenta previa. Katie is an RN and was a labor and delivery nurse for over 6 years, and she actually gave birth on the labor and delivery unit that she worked in! Due to the early delivery of her son...
2023-08-161h 01The C-Spot: A Podcast about C-SectionsEpisode 8: Paige's C-Section JourneyThis conversation with Paige about her C-section journey was beyond eye opening for me. Paige reached out to me on the day that my first episode aired to congratulate me on starting this podcast and the strong need for supportive communities for women who have had C-sections. She also mentioned that she could relate to my C-section stories on such a deep level, because she, too, has had 3 C-sections and attempted a VBAC and VBA2C.Some of the topics that we talk about are choosing and fighting for healing after traumatic experiences, the importance of vulnerability...
2023-08-0158 minThe C-Spot: A Podcast about C-SectionsEpisode 7: Eleanor's C-Section Journey + Embracing Your Mom BodThis episode is featuring a wife and a Mama of three that is all about empowerment and embracing your body and all the wonderful + hard things it has done to birth your babies. I linked up with my girl, Eleanor, to talk about her experience with C-sections, as well as the community she created for moms.Eleanor's first birth experience was an induction due to pre-eclampsia that led to a C-section. After this experience, Eleanor chose to have two more planned C-sections. Some of the topics discussed include the importance of trusting your OB, the necessity for...
2023-07-181h 12The C-Spot: A Podcast about C-SectionsEpisode 6: Kimberly's C-SectionI had the pleasure of connecting with Kimberly as she discussed her C-section that took place 25 years ago. Her C-section unexpectedly took place after being induced and being diagnosed with a "bad placenta". After her C-section, Kimberly struggled with C-section recovery and postpartum depression along with being a single mother after ending a tumultuous relationship with her daughter's father. Some of the topics discussed include the lack of knowledge of what happens during a C-section, a lack of support from family and friends, the limited information on dealing with postpartum depression in the late 90's, and giving y...
2023-06-3037 minThe C-Spot: A Podcast about C-SectionsEpisode 5: Petra's VBA3C JourneyPetra's VBA3C story is one of the best examples of self-advocacy, transformation, and healing in your pregnancy and birth journey. Petra's first birth experience was an "emergency" C-section as a young teen. After having her daughter, Petra had two more C-sections due to placenta previa (2nd C-section) and lack of education and support on having a vaginal birth after multiple C-sections (3rd C-section). When Petra became pregnant with her 4th child, she was determined to have a VBA3C (Vaginal Birth after 3 Cesareans) - she joined her local ICAN chapter, switched providers, did her research on vaginal birth...
2023-06-211h 08The C-Spot: A Podcast about C-SectionsEpisode 4: My C-Section Journey - Part 3The final part of my C-section trilogy takes a deep dive into my third pregnancy + birth experience. I found out I was pregnant with my 3rd baby boy when I was 8 months postpartum, and just a month after my husband and I got married. This pregnancy was a very unexpected, yet welcome surprise for our family. It also turned out to be my toughest pregnancy yet - I was going through it! Severe nausea, severe pelvic and back pain, preterm labor, gestational diabetes, cholestasis... the struggle was VERY real.After a lot of thinking and research, I...
2023-06-0957 min
Parent TellHangin' With The C-SpotThis week on Parent Tell, Kaila talks with fellow podcaster Daisy Davis-Marcelo about her experience with C-Section recovery. Daisy has been through 3 Cesarean Sections, each of their labor journeys vastly different from one another. Daisy shares with Kaila the painful (unfortunately, pun intended) realities of physically and mentally recovering from a C-Section and the two moms openly discuss how hard giving birth is, why conversations like these are still a must, and the importance of taking care of yourself amidst going through matrescence. You can check out Daisy's podcast, The C-Spot, here and follow/support on IG...
2023-06-071h 17The C-Spot: A Podcast about C-SectionsEpisode 3: My C-Section Journey - Part 2My second C-section story is my first attempt at a VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Cesarean). I spent this pregnancy educating myself more about vaginal births and how to avoid a C-section. However, I was diagnosed with another case of gestational diabetes, which led to a scheduled induction. As luck would have it, I went into spontaneous labor the day before my induction. With the help of my fiancé, doula, and a fairly supportive medical team, I was able to make it through 19 hours of labor. Unfortunately, a last-minute decision to give me Benadryl to help me rest led to a...
2023-05-2427 minThe C-Spot: A Podcast about C-SectionsEpisode 2: My C-Section Journey - Part 1This episode is Part 1 of my two-part birth story. My first birth experience was a planned induction which turned into an unplanned, "emergency" C-section. I went into my induction thinking that it would be a straightforward birth, but I ended up feeling blindsided, disappointed, and defeated once I was told that I would need to undergo a C-section to birth my baby. From having difficulty with breastfeeding to experiencing postpartum depression, I was left with a lot of questions about whether or not this C-section could have been avoided.If you are experiencing signs of postpartum anxiety...
2023-05-1725 min
The C-Spot: A Podcast about C-SectionsEpisode 1: The "Why"This pilot episode discusses my inspiration for creating The C-Spot. After having 3 unplanned C-sections, I have noticed the lack of support + resources available for C-section moms. While there are some women who view their birth story as a positive experience, there are many others who are emotionally struggling in silence after having a C-section. I want to create a safe space where C-section moms can share their birth stories in a judgement free zone. Maybe there is a C-section mom in need of healing, or maybe there's a mama who has had a positive experience who can offer some...
2023-05-0309 min