30 | New Scientist | 22 June 2019
Podcast
She Says She’s Fine
Produced by Maed in IndiaBECOMING a mother is often
portrayed as a magical experience
where you instantly form a bond
with your child. But author and
journalist Meghna Pant, a guest on
the motherhood episode of a new
women’s sexual health podcast,
explains that it took her a month
to fall in love with her child.
“Initially, it’s like an alien creature,”
she says.
Breastfeeding, too, doesn’t
always come naturally. It can also
be painful due to cracked nipples
and inflamed or infected breast
tissue, for example. “Nobody tells
you what happens when your milk
comes in,” says Kiran Manral,
another author and guest on the
show. “Suddenly you have stones
on your chest, like boulders.”
Even in 2019, people still feel
shame when talking about certain
aspects of women’s reproductive
health. But host Munjaal Kapadia,
a gynaecologist at Namaha
Healthcare in Mumbai, India, is
aiming to change that in a podcast
called She Says She’s Fine.
With 10 episodes so far, the
show has tackled topics ranging
from abusive relationships, using
IVF, being gay and experiencing
miscarriage. Guests share their
experiences and struggles in an
informal and conversational style,
and myths are busted.
Although the show addresses
issues in the context of India, it
is relevant globally. Miscarriage,
for example, is common around
the world, but speaking about it
remains taboo. The process is
typically beyond a woman’s
control because it is often
the result of chromosomal
abnormalities. An episode onSex, secrets and podcasts
A challenging podcast about women’s sexual and reproductive health is set
to change lives – and not just in India, says Sandrine Ceurstemontthe topic highlights the feelings
of guilt often experienced by
women, who wonder whether
stress, for example, could be
the cause.
The podcast brings men into
the conversation, too. A couple
talk about their experience with
IVF, providing insight into detailsof the process, emotions they each
went through and ways of dealing
with an unsuccessful outcome.
The role of male partners is
explored, in particular what their
involvement should be given that
a woman bears most of the
physical brunt of the procedure.
The message is that men need
support as well.
Kapadia also breaks down
barriers between doctors andViews Culture
DAVIDTALU
KDAR
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AGESin separating facts from fiction.
Future seasons of the show will
deal with controversial topics such
as abortion and the science of
female orgasms. Kapadia also
wants to dive deeper into the
topics he has already covered. The
episode on periods, for example,
triggered many questions from
listeners about polycystic ovary
syndrome , a condition that is
common yet misunderstood.
Being better informed about
women’s reproduction should
help overcome the feeling of being
alone with a problem – a common
theme that emerged from many
of the show’s discussions. “We do
a grave injustice to society by not
talking,” says Kapadia. “The more
women tell their stories, the more
sensitive people will become.” ❚Sandrine Ceurstemont is a science
writer based in Moroccopatients. Women may feel
uncomfortable seeing male
gynaecologists or may avoid going
to the doctor for sexual health
issues as they fear embarrassment
or being judged. But Kapadia’s
relaxed manner and empathy puts
listeners at ease. And he doesn’t
hold back from sharing personal
experiences, with him and his wife
talking about their miscarriage,
for example. A poignant moment
exposes the complexity of
experiencing a miscarriage as
both a doctor and as a man.
The power technology is giving
women over their sexual and
reproductive health is another
strand explored by the podcast.
From pregnancy tests becoming
available in shops in most
countries to IVF and egg freezing
allowing women to have children
later in life, this is radical change.
Googling symptoms and health
problems online also means
people are more informed
when they visit doctors.
The downside is the difficultyAn Indian wall painting
about menstruation
raises awareness“ From pregnancy tests
becoming available
in many countries to
IVF and egg freezing,
this is radical change”