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Thread

A Caesarean story of myth, magic and medicine

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Thread

By: Hannah Marsh
Narrated by: Hannah Marsh
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About this listen

 'An essential read for anyone who cares about the misogyny inherent in modern medicine. This is a highly original, deeply validating and entirely engaging addition to the canon of birth and parenting writing.' Clover Stroud

'I start to see my own experience not as a woeful result of a system or a body that has let me down, but as a birth experience as ancient, rich and potent as any other kind of birth.'

Back in 2017, journalist Hannah Marsh was about to give birth to her son after months of preparation, reading and hypnobirthing classes. Following thirty hours of induced labour, Hannah was quickly acquainted with a caesarean section: a process she had not physically or emotionally prepared for.

In an attempt to heal, Hannah began interrogating the following questions: why do the words 'caesarean section' bring up feelings of doubt, shame and judgement for some, but a sense of safety, relief, validation and reassurance for others? Why are those two powerful words rarely spoken of in the ecstatic tones with which we celebrate so-called 'natural', or vaginal birth? Why is the procedure rarely called 'beautiful', or associated with an innate sense of feminine power?

Working her way through history, culture, and folklore, it wasn't long before Hannah stumbled upon the pioneering voices and fascinating tales history seems to have forgotten. Weaving in the arc of her own experience, a journalist's insatiable curiosity, and the stories of both contemporary and historical women who endured and drove developments, Thread is an unflinching but compassionate examination of a procedure which is much more than surgery and medicine.©2025 Hannah Marsh (P)2025 Bonnier Books UK Customs & Traditions Medicine & Health Care Industry Sexual & Reproductive Health Social Sciences Women Medicine
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Wow! What a journey I’ve just been on listening to Thread!
Thread certainly really resonated with me and helped me come to peace with my own birthing experience. Like Marsh, I prepared for an ‘all-natural’ painkiller-free birth, only to face complications that led to an emergency C-section. In the seven years that have passed since then, I’d generally kept the painful memories parked away in a ‘let’s not go there’ recess of my mind. That was until Thread caught my attention and prompted me to empathetically revisit my birthing experience, allowing me to gain a far more compassionate and informed perspective of it all. Thank you, Hannah Marsh, for producing a book that has allowed me to have this experience!
I enjoyed too how Marsh skilfully intertwines medical history, mythology, folklore, and cultural narratives about Caesarean sections alongside her own personal accounts of birthing, giving the book a very personable feel and soulful depth alongside its highly informative, academic rigor. As well as a great deal of history, Thread also sheds light on contemporary issues surrounding C-sections and birthing practices, including advocating for much needed improvements in gender and racial equality.
While I approached Thread as a curious mum with relevant birthing experience, (and I believe anyone wanting to educate themselves on c-section births would find the book a great read), however as I worked my way through Thread I found myself thinking that the content is highly applicable to professionals and trainee students working in antenatal or birthing fields due to the depth of its information and research. I also think the book would also suit students of anthropology or gender and racial studies given its coverage of these areas.
Lastly, Marsh's audio narration for me was a joy to experience! The tone, rhythm, and genuine sense of marvel brought the text to life and held my attention throughout. Having listened to many audiotexts, I can honestly say Marsh’s narration is among the most engaging and beautifully delivered I’ve heard!

Healing and mind-blowingly brilliant!

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This book has been game changing for me (as a student midwife) in terms of understanding the importance of surgical birth through history as an indicator of resilience, and a resistance of sorts. I am grateful for the insights that 'Thread' has given me, and would recommend it to all training or working in maternity care, using it or hoping to in the future.

History, drama/storytelling and personal experience combined with contemporary evidence base - and excellent read.

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As an obstetrician, I really loved hearing the story of the caesarean section, although I think this book is far more than that. It touches on many issues in childbirth and maternity, both historic and present-day, and the thoughtfulness with which it is written is very evident. The many stories of real and legendary individuals were beautifully told and I have already recommended the book to several friends

Engaging and informative

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