The Push Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Welcome to The Push Podcast, where we break down the big (and sometimes bizarre) topics in obstetrics, gynecology, and women’s health, no medical degree required.

In this introductory episode, we- Meghan McGrattan, OB/GYN, and Sydney Fuller, RN- share who we are, how our friendship and professional paths brought us to this podcast, and why we felt it was time to start pushing back on myths, misinformation, and outdated medical norms.

We’ll talk about what you can expect from future episodes, how we choose our topics, and why we're obsessed with making research and critical thinking in medicine accessible to everyone.

Thanks for being here, we’re so excited to get started.

Part myth, part medicine, the “husband stitch” has long haunted conversations about childbirth and consent. In the first full episode of the Push Podcast, Meghan and Sydney unpack the origins of the term, what the research actually says, and why this story still strikes a nerve today. From perineal repair to power dynamics, they explore how a single stitch became a symbol, and what it reveals about the stories we tell (and don’t tell) in women’s health.

Hormones, hype, and how the pill really works.

The birth control pill is one of the most studied- and most misunderstood- drugs in modern medicine. In this episode, we unpack what it actually does to your body, mood, and menstrual cycle, while also tracing its roots as a revolutionary tool in the fight for reproductive freedom. Whether you’ve been on it for years, just started, or are pill-curious, we're cutting through the noise to explore the science and the cultural impact of the pill with nuance, evidence, and zero judgment.

Why the real goal is support in breastfeeding- not shame.

World Breastfeeding Awareness Week kicks off August 1st, and we’re getting in early with the equally messy and miraculous truth about postpartum feeding.

From leaky boobs to latch stress, nipple shields to formula shame- and yes, whether or not you can have that glass of wine- we’re breaking down the biology, busting the myths, and asking why everyone from your barista to your great-aunt thinks they get a say in how you feed your baby.

Meghan shares what the research actually says (and what it doesn’t), Sydney brings the real talk from the bedside, and together we unpack things like DMER (yes, that sudden wave of dread is real), low supply anxiety, and why combo feeding is not a dirty word.

If you've ever cried while washing pump parts, cursed a clogged duct, or just wanted someone to say “you’re doing great,” this episode is for you.

Why are we still so obsessed with “baby weight”?

In this episode, we break down the science and the societal pressure behind pregnancy weight gain and postpartum weight loss. From weekly weigh-ins at prenatal visits to the unrealistic timelines for “bouncing back” after birth, we’re asking: what’s the evidence, and what’s just expectation?

Dr. Meghan and Nurse Sydney unpack why pre-pregnancy BMI is actually a much stronger predictor of outcomes than weight gain alone, what the guidelines really say, and how postpartum bodies became a cultural battleground. We also explore the emotional toll of treating recovery like a weight loss program, and what it means to shift the conversation toward healing instead of shrinking. If the scale has ever felt heavier than just a number, let’s unpack it together.

It’s almost go-time! This quick mini-episode is the first in our two-part series on getting ready for birth and postpartum recovery. Today, OB/GYN Dr. Meghan McGrattan and L&D nurse Sydney break down exactly what to pack in your hospital bag for labor and delivery- and what you can definitely leave at home. We cover the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, and the items that will just take up space (looking at you, three extra outfits!). Whether you’re a first-time parent or prepping for your next birth, this checklist will help you feel ready, calm, and confident when it’s time to meet your baby.

Up next: Part Two- our Postpartum Survival Kit.

You’ve packed your hospital bag, now let’s talk about what happens after baby arrives. In this quick mini-episode (Part Two of our birth prep series), OB/GYN Dr. Meghan McGrattan and L&D nurse Sydney share our ultimate Postpartum Survival Kit. From recovery essentials to the little comforts that make a big difference in those first few weeks, we’ll help you stock up on the items you’ll actually use- and skip the ones you won’t. Whether you’re preparing for your first postpartum experience or looking to make this time smoother than last, this list will help you heal, rest, and focus on your new arrival.

If you missed Part One — Hospital Bag Essentials: Pack Like a Pro — go back and give it a listen!

Flat on your back isn’t the only way to give birth- but it’s the one most people expect. So how did that position become the standard, and what happens when you try something different?

In this episode, we unpack the history behind why “back-only” became the norm, what the evidence actually shows about different pushing positions, and how things like gravity and mobility can make a big difference. We also talk about what this means for tearing, comfort, and feeling in control of your birth.

If you’re preparing for labour- or just curious about how we got here- you’ll come away with a new perspective on what it really means to have options when it comes to pushing.

Why is it still so hard for women to get permanent birth control? Across TikTok, Reddit, and even news stories, young people are sharing their frustration at being turned away by providers when they ask for sterilization. At the same time, a growing movement is pushing for elective salpingectomy- the complete removal of the fallopian tubes- as the gold-standard surgical option for contraception.

In this episode, we dig into what salpingectomy actually involves, why many gynecologists now recommend it over traditional “tube tying,” and the evidence behind its effectiveness, safety, and recovery. We also explore the added benefit that’s changing the conversation entirely: the potential to lower the risk of ovarian cancer.

If you’ve ever wondered why doctors hesitate, what the research really says, or whether permanent contraception could be right for you, this episode is a deep dive into autonomy, evidence, and the future of surgical birth control.

Epidurals are one of the most common ways people manage pain in labour, but they’re also one of the most debated. Are they safe? Do they slow labour? Will you still be able to push? In this episode, we take a deep dive into both the science and the lived experience of epidurals. We’ll walk you through how they work, what the procedure looks like, and what the latest research says about their impact on birth outcomes.

From myths about paralysis to questions about birth experience, we’re separating fact from fiction so you can feel informed, not fearful. Whether you’re planning your first birth, supporting someone through theirs, or just curious about the role of epidurals in modern obstetrics, this episode is your comprehensive guide.