Memos from Motherhood (Or, I Gave Birth During a Pandemic?!)

As Seen on TV (aka Veena’s Birth Story)

Episode Summary

Most parents and birth workers will tell you that giving birth is nothing like what you see in the movies. In Veena’s case, however, it was! In this episode, Veena shares her birthing story and reflects on the unexpected emotions that accompanied it after nothing went fully according to plan. We discuss how birthing during Covid shaped birthing plans, and the early first weeks of having a new baby at home without outside support from loved ones. We also touch on birthing as a portal that makes it both miraculous and scary, and bookmark for later a longer discussion about the maternal mortality crisis in the United States.

Episode Notes

Send in a voice memo or note at: memosfrommotherhood@gmail.com

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Relevant Links and Articles for this Episode:

Veena’s Re:Work podcast miniseries on Black midwives in Los Angeles devoted to helping women experience empowered births through their foundation and birth center, Kindred Space LA:
- The Calling
- It’s Magic

The Stages of Labor

Congressional Proposals to Address the Maternal Health Crisis

H.R. 959: The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021

United States House of Representatives Black Maternal Health Caucus