I just remember this so clearly. My husband, very matter-of-factly, said to the OB, actually, I think her elevated heart rate is due to the fear-mongering and scare tactics that you just put her through in the bathroom. And the OB stared at him and then just turned and left the room without saying anything to him. At this point,

there were seven medical personnel in the room, just to give an example of how many strangers

were constantly in my space. My husband at this point told the nurses that I was not safe with this

doctor. And just a few minutes later, the OB reenters the room with a man in uniform behind her,

and she announces to the whole room that she will now be accompanied by security every time

that she has to be in my room due to her not feeling safe near my husband. She brought security

literally right after my husband called her out for her coercion, trying to intimidate us.

And my husband stepped out of the room to speak to the guard and the OB, and he told the OB,

I don't want to see you again. I want a new doctor because my wife does not feel safe with you.

I'm Cynthia Overgard, owner of hypniburthing of Connecticut, childbirth advocate, and

postpartum support specialist.

And I'm Trescia Ludwig, certified nurse midwife and international board certified lactation

consultant.

And this is the down-to-birth podcast.

Childbirth is something we're made to do,

but how do we have our safest and most satisfying experience in today's medical culture?

Let's dispel the myths and get down to birth. Hi, my name's Amanda. I'm 29 years old and a first time mom to my seven-month-old baby girl. I'm so

grateful to be here today to share my experience of my labor and birth. I've known for years that I've wanted to give birth at home. My husband and I were

so excited when we found out that I was pregnant. I had already been looking into lots of different

midwives and hired her really early on and then found a doula who I connected with. And I really looked forward to

experiencing birth. And the more I learned about birth, the more excited I got. And when I first

started working with my midwife, she confirmed the date I gave her of the first day of my last period, as they do.

...