Cesarean births are one of the most common operations in the world, and yet, we know surprisingly little about the impact and legacy of this surgery in our bodies.

Host Golda Arthur had two emergency cesarean births, and 20 years later, she's still making sense of their legacy. In this episode, she sits down with Rachel Somerstein, author of Invisible Labor: The Untold Story of the Cesarean Section, and Helena Grant, president of New York Midwives, to talk about why cesarean births are overlooked.

They discuss:

- The origin of this surgery, which in the United States was first practiced on enslaved women.

- Why the rate of c-sections is so high in the US.

- Why recovery takes far longer than anyone tells you.

- What to know if you’re pregnant, or trying to have a baby, and want to know more about cesarean births.

If you would like to share your story with us, write to us at hello@overlookedpod.com.

The newsletter that accompanies this episode has more links and resources and a deeper dive into this topic. Subscribe here or at www.overlookedpod.com

Listen to this next: an episode on preeclampsia - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-ways-to-predict-preeclampsia-and-save-lives-with/id1706322130?i=1000735203960

ABOUT THE SHOW: Overlooked tells powerful stories about women's health conditions that don't get enough attention. The show is hosted by Golda Arthur, an audio journalist and producer. Learn more about the show here: https://bit.ly/TheOverlookedNewsletter

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DISCLAIMER What you hear and read on ‘Overlooked’ is for general information purposes only and represents the opinions of the host and guests. The content on the podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. Every person’s body is unique, so please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions that may arise.

Cesarean births: the surgery that changes everything, with Helena Grant and Rachel Somerstein

Overlooked: Women's Health Can't Wait

Cesarean births: the surgery that changes everything, with Helena Grant and Rachel Somerstein