176: What to Expect During a C-Section (Part 2): Recovery, Stigma & Emotional Healing

We are back with Dr. Jen Wagner and RN Bethany Scott continuing our conversation about C-sections! In Part 1 of our conversation, we talked all about what to expect before, during, and immediately after a C-section. But as we all know, the birth is just the beginning. In this episode of Chick Chat, Dr. Jen and RN Bethany from The C-Section Experience Podcast talk about what comes next: the healing, the emotions, and the realities of postpartum recovery after a cesarean birth. We dive into the stigma that still surrounds C-sections, why some moms feel like they “missed out” when their birth doesn’t go as planned, and what every woman deserves to hear before heading into the OR. This conversation is raw, honest, and so needed, because your birth story matters, and your healing matters, too. What Did We Discuss? In this second part of our series on what to expect during a C-section, we go deeper into: The stigma around C-sections: Why it exists and how to challenge it with compassion and truth How to emotionally process an unplanned or emergent C-section What healing looks like — beyond just the incision Reframing the narrative: You didn’t fail. You gave birth. Tips for supporting recovery, self-worth, and your identity as a new mom What every woman deserves to know before heading into the OR I’m so grateful to Jen and Bethany for joining me again and sharing such vulnerable, powerful insights. Whether your C-section was planned or emergent, joyful or complex — or all of the above — you are not alone. Your emotions are valid, your experience is real, and your story deserves to be honored. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another mama who needs to hear it. And as always, tag us on Instagram @thebabychickchat and @thecsxpodcast — we’d love to hear your thoughts. Bethany + Jen's Resources Website: csxpodcast.com Instagram: @thecsxpodcast TikTok: @thecsxpodcast Thank you for being here and for continuing to show up for yourself. Cheers to empowered, supported cesarean births and to owning your story with pride! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices