E18 Alissa Alter: We Do Not Have To Tolerate Unnecessary Pain- posterior baby, stalled labor, 4th degree tear, ptsd

Alissa Alter is also known as the "Amy Poehler of Vaginas" for her unfiltered and unapologetic approach to exploring the female experience. She is a former Broadway performer, certified pilates instructor, pelvic health expert, comedian, author, host of the podcast Alter Your Life, and co founder of pstprtm.com

While in labor at the hospital, Alissa knew that something didn't feel right. She was feeling an incredible amount of pain in her back while laying in bed. Alissa didn't know it at the time, but she was having back labor.

Instead of being supported with other options, she was encouraged to get an epidural early. The epidural stalled her labor. Her son was sunny-side up and got stuck coming out. She ended up with two midwives pushing on her stomach and a fourth degree tear.

Alissa had severe bleeding and a very difficult postpartum recovery, physically and mentally. She felt incredibly alone in her experience, without a lot of resources or support. She also had severe PTSD and continually had flashbacks to her son's birth.

Despite such a traumatic birth, Alissa gives a humorous account of her experience. She describes how not okay she was,  how she lacked support, and how she began to heal. 

alteryourlife.substack.com
PSTPRTM

Also mentioned:
Ejaculate Responsibly- Gabrielle Blair


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