Ep. 36 - Giving Birth in 1979 - Michelle Pascucci, Cristen's Mom

Birth Allowed Radio

As I celebrated my birthday this month, I realized I had never really talked to my mother about my own birth story. Join me in reliving that experience with my mom, Michelle Pascucci, as she recalls what it was like to give birth - and feed a newborn - in 1979. While she had a great experience with childbirth education, there were times in the hospital she wished she was provided more guidance. “When they said ‘do you want an epidural?’ I’m familiar with it, but don’t know what’s going to happen. And so when I got numb, then I’m realizing ‘oh, that’s what the epidural does.’” As my mom and I delved into some family history, I also discovered some fascinating details about my maternal grandmother--who was a nurse for 50 years--including her relationship with the healthcare system during her time and some deep trauma that she suffered in her relationship with doctors. The story of that trauma, which I had never before heard even a whisper of, blew my mind. “My mom gave herself to her work in the health department - she did it the way she had always done it - but she carried that heaviness of not being able to reconcile his death along with vowing never to work in a hospital again.” RESOURCES: This program is supported by Attorney Susan Jenkins, specializing in business, governmental, and political issues related to birthing rights and the practice of midwifery. Reach her at 866-686-1348. Support Birth Allowed Radio! Contact us here ([e-mail]).