On today's podcast, we're going to talk with EBB Childbirth Class Parents, Lisa Mangini and Anand Swaminathan about their high-intervention birth story! So many people have negative associations with interventions— but Lisa and Anand's story shows how you can still experience a joyful, empowering birth, even in the midst of complications!

Lisa Mangini is a writer living in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, Anand and young son. She teaches English and creative writing at a university and is in the early stages of writing a book about becoming a parent.

I think Lisa is the first person I've heard of who found the EBB Childbirth Class through a neurologist! During her first pregnancy (which ended in a miscarriage), Lisa had her first tonic-clonic seizure. Lisa had to dive into a journey to manage her seizure disorder and several other health conditions, all while trying to conceive and then eventually getting pregnant.

Lisa and Anand's story is perfect for anyone who is facing a high-risk pregnancy or supporting clients who are high-risk! Lisa talks about dealing with prenatal anxiety, switching hospitals and providers, deciding to hire a doula, and how a calm, experienced midwife can be a huge asset during a high-risk birth situation.

Content warning: We mention miscarriage, prenatal anxiety, high levels of medical intervention, seizures, and fear of dying during childbirth

Resources:

• Follow Lisa at @lisaquarius and Lisamangini.com
• Find an EBB Childbirth Class at https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirthclass
• EBB Signature Article on doulas at https://evidencebasedbirth.com/doulas
• EBB Podcast episode 175 on the evidence on midwives https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-on-midwives/
• EBB Podcast episode 186 on a high-risk pregnancy with Angela Jones https://evidencebasedbirth.com/a-positive-pregnancy-and-birth-outcome-with-multiple-high-risk-labels-with-ebb-childbirth-class-parent-angela-jones/