In Jennifer Lincoln’s work as an obstetrics hospitalist, she met many new parents who were fearful and felt uninformed about the labor and delivery process, even when arriving at the hospital to give birth. She’s quick to note, however, that this gap in understanding isn’t due to patients being lazy, or to their lack of interest in learning, but due to brief prenatal visits and the often overburdened system of maternal healthcare in the U.S.
A 2024 report by March of Dimes, a nonprofit focused on maternal and infant health, found that over 35% of counties in the U.S. are considered maternity care deserts, and labor and delivery units are being stretched thin, especially in rural areas.
Lincoln was finding that patients weren’t given enough time with their healthcare providers to dive into all questions about the complexities of the labor and delivery process, and often turned to resources like TikTok and Instagram to hear from other mothers and get their questions answered.
Her work as an obstetrician and gynecologist, and her ability to distill complex topics on reproductive and maternal care led Lincoln to write “The Birth Book: An OB-GYN’s Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery.” She joins us to discuss the book, which covers the labor and delivery experience from prenatal visits to postpartum care.
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