What to Expect During a C-Section: Part 1 – Podcast Ep 175

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Whether it’s scheduled or unexpected, I firmly believe that a cesarean birth is still a birth, and every mom deserves to feel informed, supported, and empowered through it. But the truth is, many women go into their C-sections feeling unprepared and unsure of what to expect during a C-section. That’s why I knew we needed to record this episode, and I found the perfect guests to help us do just that: Dr. Jen Wagner, a board-certified obstetric anesthesiologist, and Bethany Scott, a registered nurse, doula, and fellow C-section mom.

We had such an incredible discussion that we ended up talking for hours! There was so much valuable information being shared that we decided to split it into two episodes, because we truly didn’t want to leave anything out. These kinds of honest conversations are exactly what we need to help shift the narrative around cesarean birth.

Who are Bethany + Jen?

Dr. Jen Wagner is a board-certified, fellowship-trained obstetric anesthesiologist with years of experience supporting women through labor and delivery, especially during C-sections. She’s not only a practicing physician but also an educator and advocate for integrating evidence-based medicine with patient-centered, trauma-informed care. After giving birth to her daughter via C-section in 2018 and her son via VBAC in 2020, Dr. Jen became even more passionate about improving the birth experience for others. 

Her dear friend and co-host,  Bethany Scott, is also here to chick-chat with us. Bethany is a registered nurse, certified birth doula, and mom of three born via C-section — plus one angel baby. Her journey started in the fashion world, but after moving to New York City, she followed her true calling into women’s health. Bethany began as a doula, later transitioning to labor & delivery nursing and OB/GYN triage. Through her own powerful experiences with birth and postpartum, she recognized the lack of preparation resources specific to C-sections. She decided to create the kind of support she wished she had. Today, Bethany is passionate about helping women feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout birth and beyond. 

She and Dr. Jen now share their insights and perspectives through their podcast, The C-section Experience Podcast, which helps women prepare for and process their birth stories with more confidence and compassion.

What Did We Discuss?

In this part 1 episode, Dr. Jen, Bethany, and I chick-chat about what really happens before, during, and immediately after a C-section — whether it’s scheduled or unscheduled — and how to make the experience feel more like a birth and less like a procedure. It’s essential for moms to understand what options are available to them every step of the way, and we feel like this episode does that. Here are some of the questions that we covered in our conversation:

• Let’s start with the basics. Can you guys walk us through the different kinds of C-sections (emergent, non-emergent, planned, unplanned, gentle, family-centered, etc.)?
• Why would women need these? Who qualifies for each? How can parents best navigate these challenges?
• Please walk us through what a pregnant mom can expect when she has a cesarean birth. (Prior, during the procedure, and immediate postpartum)
• What have you guys found to be some common fears or misconceptions women have about C-sections, and what would you say to ease those fears?
• What are things that people don’t know they can do or ask for when it comes to having a cesarean birth? What should they put on their birth plan?

I hope this part 1 episode gives you the information that you were looking for to prepare for the procedure and your birthing experience. Next week, we are going to dive into more of the postpartum experience and what you can expect.

Final Thoughts

C-sections are often portrayed in classes or by providers as clinical or impersonal but they don’t have to be. Knowing what to expect during a C-section can make all the difference. The more you know, the more confident you can feel, and the more clearly you can advocate for what matters most to you.

As Dr. Jen and Bethany reminded us, there are so many ways to make this experience more informed, respectful, and empowering. Whether you’re preparing for a scheduled cesarean or simply want to be ready for any possibility, this episode offers the insight and compassion I believe every mom deserves.

As Bethany and Dr. Jen so beautifully shared: C-sections are real births — full of emotion, bravery, and transformation. They deserve to be honored and talked about, just like every other birth story. And I couldn’t agree more.

I hope this episode helps you feel more prepared and empowered for your C-section birth. If you know a mama who would benefit from understanding what to expect during a C-section, please send this her way, and tag us on Instagram at @thebabychickchat. Your story matters. Your birth matters. And you are not alone.

Bethany + Jen’s Resources

Thank you for listening to our podcast. Cheers to an empowered & supported cesarean birth!