You may be surprised to know that Maternal Spotlight began from a series of real life experiences — one of which was my birth story.

For those of you who don’t know me - My name is Shilpa Londhe. I’m a public health research scientist, mother, and founder of Maternal Spotlight. In this podcast, I wanted to share my story with you. It’s a story that has taken me a long time to come to terms with and an even longer time to become comfortable hearing - even from myself. Almost seven years ago, I became a mom. There are many pathways to motherhood, but my story began with giving birth to a baby, a month early, in a hospital setting. And the experience of this birth provided me with a unique perspective on how women in labor, even a woman who has significant health care knowledge and expertise, can be vulnerable and at risk at a time that is traditionally recognized to be one of joyful expectation.

Warning: This podcast contains potential triggers as it discusses birth trauma in a hospital setting.