The C-Section Experience: Empowering C-Section Education and Support – Details, episodes & analysis

In this heartfelt milestone episode, Jen and Bethany share a big announcement: The C-Section Experience is taking a temporary hiatus. They open up about the full mix of emotions—gratitude, pride, tenderness, and excitement for what comes next.

They look back on their favorite moments from the past 64 episodes: unforgettable listener messages, the conversations that changed them, the topics that stretched them, and the episodes that resonated the most with the community. They revisit lessons learned, the guests who left a lasting impact, and the stories that reminded them why this work matters.

With honesty and warmth, Jen and Bethany talk about the importance of pausing with intention—creating space to rest, reflect, and return with even more clarity and purpose. Above all, they express deep gratitude for every listener who has made this journey meaningful, and they share their hopes for the future of the podcast and the community.

Jen and Bethany get real about one of the most universal - and universally dreaded - postpartum milestones: the first poop after a C-section. With equal parts humor, honesty, and medical expertise, they unpack why it can feel so intimidating and what you can do to make it easier.  They share personal stories and professional insights, break down the real reasons constipation happens after birth, and offer practical, evidence-based strategies to help new moms feel more prepared. 

You'll learn:

• Why the first postpartum poop is so hard
• The difference between constipation, obstipation, and ileus
• What happens to your bowels during pregnancy, labor, and c-section surgery
• How to prep before surgery 
• The best stool softeners and laxatives to use post-C-section
• How to get into the right pooping position 
• Relaxation and breathing techniques to reduce pelvic floor tension
• When to worry and when to call your doctor
• How your environment, mindset, and support system play a huge role

With relatable anecdotes and zero shame, Jen and Bethany normalize a topic that every postpartum mom deals with but rarely talks about. Whether you're preparing for a planned C-section, recovering from an unplanned one, or supporting someone who is—this conversation will leave you feeling informed, reassured, and a lot less nervous about that first postpartum bathroom trip.

In this episode of The C-Section Experience, Jen and Bethany break down Susanna's story from The Retrievals podcast, focusing on her experience with neuraxial anesthesia during a C-section. They explore how anesthesiologists test for effective spinal and epidural blocks, why it can be challenging for patients to communicate pain or unusual sensations in the OR, and how compassionate doctor–patient communication can change the entire surgical experience.

The conversation also highlights the latest 2022 guidelines for anesthesia management in C-sections, offering insight into what patients and providers should know about safety, best practices, and evolving standards of care. Jen and Bethany connect this to the ongoing SONAR Study, a groundbreaking research effort investigating how often patients report pain during C-section and what can be done to improve outcomes.

By revisiting episodes three and four of The Retrievals, they shed light on the complexities of sensory testing, the emotional impact of feeling pain or fear during surgery, and the critical role of follow-up care after a C-section. The episode underscores why proactive patient engagement and clear communication aren't just nice to have—they're essential for safe, dignified, and supported C-section births.

In this special episode of The C-Section Experience, co-hosts Jen and Bethany open up about their personal recovery journeys after childbirth, sharing the real and raw challenges that often don't get talked about enough. From the recovery room to the first year postpartum, they highlight just how different every mother's healing process can be.

They discuss:

• Breastfeeding struggles and the emotional toll of feeding challenges
• The role of nutrition in postpartum recovery and energy levels
• Managing C-section pain and incision care
• Navigating NICU experiences and the emotional stress that comes with them
• Handling visitors in the early days and setting boundaries
• The transition back to work while still healing
• Long-term considerations like C-section scars and recovery timelines
• The emotional impact of leaving your baby for the first time
• How to balance household responsibilities and partner support during postpartum

The episode also marks a milestone celebration: the one-year anniversary of The C-Section Experience. Jen and Bethany toast to their journey, the lessons learned, and the supportive community that has grown around the podcast.

Whether you're preparing for a C-section, in the middle of postpartum recovery, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers comfort, validation, and practical insights into the realities of motherhood that go beyond the textbook.

Download our FREE C-Section guide here:   CSX Guide

Thank you to our sponsor, Coterie.  Use Code CSX20 at checkout for 20% off your first purchase of $65.

Jen and Bethany continue their conversation with Dr. Caroline Rich, an occupational therapist pioneering postpartum OT for C-section recovery. In this episode, the focus shifts to holistic and integrative approaches that can make a real difference for new moms.

Dr. Rich explores how meditation, breathwork, and other grounding techniques—though rarely emphasized in traditional training—can be powerful tools for managing stress, improving well-being, and supporting emotional recovery after surgery. The discussion also addresses the importance of teaching moms to recognize mental health red flags and providing the resources they need to feel supported during postpartum recovery.

From navigating the challenges of health insurance to highlighting how occupational therapy can reduce mental load, prevent re-hospitalization, and bridge gaps in care through collaboration with OBs and other providers, this episode underscores the urgent need for systemic change. The conversation closes with a powerful call to reimagine C-section recovery: one rooted in dignity, advocacy, and truly comprehensive care for mothers.

Website: csxpodcast.com 

Email us: hi@csxpodcast.com.

Follow us on instagram: @thecsectionexperience

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The content in this podcast should not be considered medical advice.

About our guest:

Dr. Caroline Rich is an occupational therapist, women's health specialist, founder of Magnolia Women's Wellness, and published author passionate about supporting women through c-section recovery. She emphasizes the vital role occupational therapists can—and should—play in helping mothers transition safely and confidently from hospital to home. With a mission to close the gaps in women's healthcare, Dr. Caroline is dedicated to empowering women with the knowledge, guidance, and support they need to heal, thrive, and feel truly cared for. Her c-section home recovery manual is available for purchase on her website!

Connect with Dr. Caroline:
Instagram: @drcarolinerich & @magnoliawomenswellness
Website: www.magnoliawomenswellness.com
Published work: Occupational Therapists' Role in Maternal Health in the Home Environment After Cesarean Section

About the podcast:

Website: csxpodcast.com 

Email us: hi@csxpodcast.com.

Follow us on instagram: @thecsectionexperience

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The content in this podcast should not be considered medical advice.

Download our FREE C-Section guide here:   CSX Guide

Thank you to our sponsor, Coterie.  Use Code CSX20 at checkout for 20% off your first purchase of $65.

In this episode of The Recovery Series, Jen and Bethany sit down with Dr. Caroline Rich, an occupational therapist specializing in women's health and a leading voice in bringing OT into postpartum recovery after C-sections.  Dr. Rich shares her personal journey into this work, including her own childbirth experience during the pandemic that revealed just how limited resources and support are for C-section recovery. She discusses her groundbreaking research article on the role of occupational therapy in post-C-section home recovery and explains how OT can help moms set up safe home environments, manage pain and medications, and navigate daily tasks in the early weeks of healing.  The conversation also explores bigger-picture issues: the systemic gaps in maternal healthcare, the barriers around insurance coverage, and the need for more awareness, training, and advocacy to make occupational therapy a standard part of C-section aftercare.

Whether you're a new mom, a healthcare provider, or simply curious about what better postpartum support could look like, this episode sheds light on an under-recognized but transformative approach to C-section recovery.

Website: csxpodcast.com 

Email us: hi@csxpodcast.com.

Follow us on instagram: @thecsectionexperience

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The content in this podcast should not be considered medical advice.

About our guest:

Dr. Caroline Rich is an occupational therapist, women's health specialist, founder of Magnolia Women's Wellness, and published author passionate about supporting women through c-section recovery. She emphasizes the vital role occupational therapists can—and should—play in helping mothers transition safely and confidently from hospital to home. With a mission to close the gaps in women's healthcare, Dr. Caroline is dedicated to empowering women with the knowledge, guidance, and support they need to heal, thrive, and feel truly cared for. Her c-section home recovery manual is available for purchase on her website!

Connect with Dr. Caroline:
Instagram: @drcarolinerich & @magnoliawomenswellness
Website: www.magnoliawomenswellness.com
Published work: Occupational Therapists' Role in Maternal Health in the Home Environment After Cesarean Section

About the podcast:

Website: csxpodcast.com 

Email us: hi@csxpodcast.com.

Follow us on instagram: @thecsectionexperience

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The content in this podcast should not be considered medical advice.

Download our FREE C-Section guide here:   CSX Guide

Thank you to our sponsor, Coterie.  Use Code CSX20 at checkout for 20% off your first purchase of $65.

Jen and Bethany continue their conversation with Dr. Lashonda Jones, a doctor of physical therapy specializing in C-section rehab. In this episode of the Recovery Series, the focus is on movement, healing, and the practical tools that can make a difference in recovery after surgery.

Dr. Jones explains why early, gentle mobility—like starting with short walks—is so important for preventing complications such as blood clots and constipation, while also helping moms regain strength. She also breaks down the benefits of abdominal binders, including how to wear them correctly for support without causing harm.

The discussion dives into diastasis recti, why it's more common after C-sections, and how engaging deep core muscles and maintaining good posture can help reduce the "C-section shelf." Scar mobilization is also highlighted as a powerful tool for healing, reducing adhesions, and improving comfort. Finally, Dr. Jones shares insights into how incision placement can affect recovery and offers resources for ongoing support.

This episode is packed with practical, evidence-based advice and compassionate guidance to help make C-section recovery a little easier.

Website: csxpodcast.com 

Email us: hi@csxpodcast.com.

Follow us on instagram: @thecsectionexperience

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The content in this podcast should not be considered medical advice.

About our guest, Dr Lashonda Jones: With 19+ years of experience and her own personal journey following an unplanned c-section, Dr. Lashonda Jones brings both professional expertise and passionate advocacy to the table. She's the founder of Core Elevation Fitness and Wellness, the creator of the Cesarean Recovery and Safe Return to Exercise Guide, and the primary author on the 2025 Cesarean Delivery Rehab Protocol—tools that are raising the bar for postpartum care around the globe.

Cesarean Delivery Protocol: https://www.coreelevationfitness.com/cesarean-delivery-rehab-protocol

Cesarean Recovery Guide: https://www.coreelevationfitness.com/product/cesarean-recovery-and-safe-return-to-exercise-guide

Free recovery must have list:

https://www.coreelevationfitness.com/c-section-recovery-must-have-list

About the podcast:

Website: csxpodcast.com 

Email us: hi@csxpodcast.com.

Follow us on instagram: @thecsectionexperience

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The content in this podcast should not be considered medical advice.

Download our FREE C-Section guide here:   CSX Guide

Thank you to our sponsor, Coterie.  Use Code CSX20 at checkout for 20% off your first purchase of $65.

Jen and Bethany sit down with Dr. Lashonda Jones, a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in c-section rehab and recovery, to talk about her journey from as a PT who is a passionate advocate for postpartum care. After facing her own challenging recoveries, first from a vaginal birth and later from an unplanned C-section, Dr. Jones saw firsthand the gaps in support, education, and resources for new moms.

In this episode, Dr. Jones shares:

• The personal experiences that inspired her to focus on c-section recovery

• How she developed her C-section Rehab Protocol to help moms prepare for surgery and recover safely

• Practical, evidence-based tips for early mobility, handling stairs, getting in and out of bed, and the importance of lying flat

• Strategies to prevent the C-section shelf and improve scar healing

• Why hospital-based physical therapy should be a standard part of postpartum care

From mobility and pain management to scar care and returning to exercise, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for moms and a call to action for better postpartum rehabilitation in our healthcare system.

Whether you're preparing for a planned C-section, recovering from surgery, or supporting someone who is, you'll walk away with knowledge, validation, and a reminder that you deserve comprehensive postpartum care.

Website: csxpodcast.com 

Email us: hi@csxpodcast.com.

Follow us on instagram: @thecsectionexperience

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The content in this podcast should not be considered medical advice.

About our guest, Dr Lashonda Jones: With 19+ years of experience and her own personal journey following an unplanned c-section, Dr. Lashonda Jones brings both professional expertise and passionate advocacy to the table. She's the founder of Core Elevation Fitness and Wellness, the creator of the Cesarean Recovery and Safe Return to Exercise Guide, and the primary author on the 2025 Cesarean Delivery Rehab Protocol—tools that are raising the bar for postpartum care around the globe.

Cesarean Delivery Protocol: https://www.coreelevationfitness.com/cesarean-delivery-rehab-protocol

Cesarean Recovery Guide: https://www.coreelevationfitness.com/product/cesarean-recovery-and-safe-return-to-exercise-guide

Free recovery must have list:

https://www.coreelevationfitness.com/c-section-recovery-must-have-list

About the podcast:

Website: csxpodcast.com 

Email us: hi@csxpodcast.com.

Follow us on instagram: @thecsectionexperience

This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The content in this podcast should not be considered medical advice.

Jen and Bethany continue their deep dive into the medications commonly given during and after a C-section. From Pitocin to Toradol, they break down what each drug is for, how it's administered, potential side effects, and what moms need to know, especially when it comes to bleeding, pain management, and breastfeeding.

They cover:

• Uterotonic meds like Pitocin, Methergine, Hemabate, and Cytotec

• Pain relief options including Toradol

• The evolving conversation around medications and breastfeeding

• Why communication between providers and patients matters more than ever

• A bonus holistic tip for staying cool during summer pregnancies

Whether you're prepping for a C-section or still processing one, this episode helps demystify what's in your IV (and why it matters).

In this episode of The C-Section Experience, Jen and Bethany break down the medications commonly given during a C-section—what they are, why they're used, and how they might make you feel.

They walk you through every stage of the process, explaining the purpose, timing, and possible side effects of:

• Acid-reducing medications like sodium citrate (Bicitra), Pepcid, and Reglan

• Nausea prevention medications like Zofran and Dexamethasone

• Pain relief including Tylenol and the medications in your spinal anesthesia

• Antibiotics such as Ancef and azithromycin to prevent infection

• Anxiety medications and blood pressure medications when needed

Jen shares her insider perspective as an OB anesthesiologist, while Bethany brings the patient point of view—with real-life stories and tips to help you feel more confident and informed.

Whether your C-section is planned or unexpected, this episode will help you understand exactly what medications you might receive, their purpose, and how they contribute to a safe, positive birth experience.