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A new telling of the extraordinary story of where we all begin. Presented by India Rakusen

In this new look at the beginnings of life, we tell the story of a child from fertilisation to first birthday through the lens of society, history and science.

In this new look at the beginnings of life we tell the story of a child from fertilisation to first birthday through the lens of society, history, and science.

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Child: 14. Pain

14. Pain

BBC Radio 4 - Child, 14. Pain

India Rakusen examines how pain has been acknowledged historically and in modern day.

India Rakusen explores the final stages of labour through to crowning, and examines how pain has been acknowledged historically and in the modern day.

The baby is almost here. In this episode, India Rakusen explores how the baby moves through the cervix into the birth canal to the moment the baby’s head starts to crown. 

And through all of this, how is pain acknowledged and addressed? India looks at the history of pain relief - and finds out from historian Randi Hutter-Epstein about an extreme form called Twilight Sleep that gained popularity at the start of the 20th Century. She also speaks to research midwife Rachel Ibikunle about the horrific beliefs about pain for Black and Asian women, and to Siobhan Miller of the Positive Birth Company about how understanding our body can help manage pain.

Presented by India Rakusen
Producer: Ellie Sans
Series Producer: Ellie Sans
Production Team: Ella McLeod & Georgia Arundell
Executive Producer: Suzy Grant.
Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Original music composed and performed by ESKA
Mix and Mastering by Charlie Brandon-King

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