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Empowering You with Information for Your Journey from Pregnancy to Postpartum
It Begins with Taking Charge of Your Maternity Care
Welcome to the first edition of "Truth Bombs for Moms" – your source of empowering insights to navigate the beautiful journey from pregnancy to postpartum. We believe that well-informed moms make confident choices. In this post, we're diving into how you can get better information from care providers to feel empowered in making decisions that are right for you and your baby.
1. Build a Trusting Relationship
How many times have you gone to the doctor feeling hurried out the door and left with a million unanswered questions. Establishing a trusting relationship with your care provider is key. Whether you're seeing an OB-GYN, midwife, or another healthcare professional, open communication is essential.
Schedule regular appointments where you can discuss your concerns, preferences, and any questions you may have. Red flags that you might want to change providers can be that they quickly dismiss any concerns you have with sweeping statements that are not backed by science such as 'irritable uterus' or 'your baby is too big'.
2. Do Your Research
Knowledge is power. Take the time to educate yourself about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Reliable sources include well researched books, online articles from reputable websites (not WebMD), and peer-reviewed medical journals.
Don't hesitate to bring up any information or concerns with your care provider and ask them to elaborate if you don't fully understand what they are saying.
3. Ask Questions Fearlessly
Don't hold back when it comes to asking questions. Write them down before appointments to ensure you cover everything on your mind. Your care provider should be willing to provide clear, concise answers that address your concerns.
Again, if there are little medical facts given or you are not satisfied with the 'diagnosis' you've been given, it is always possible that a care provider overlooks or even misdiagnose. Just because they have a medical degree does not mean you need to follow their word like the ten commandments. Which leads me to #4...
4. Seek Second Opinions
If you ever feel uncertain or uncomfortable with a recommendation or diagnosis, seeking a second opinion is completely reasonable. A different perspective can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your values and preferences.
Remember that birth is not purely a medical procedure and there are other experts who can give you a perspective on they physiological and phycological aspects of birth. It's great to have both perspectives so that you have the full picture.
5. Discuss Your Birth Plan
Create a birth plan that outlines your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Share this plan with your care provider well in advance so they can work with you to make it a reality. Remember that flexibility is important, but your wishes should be respected as much as possible.
Not many women know this, but you have every right to accept as little or as much 'help' as possible. Even in a hospital. If you don't like the way something feels or how you are being spoken to, touched or coached, you have birth and patient rights to accept or reject any medication, procedure or anything else that doesn't sit right with you (again, remember to ask for medical facts if there are suggested interventions – and always ask about the long-term side effects).
6. Join Supportive Communities
Connect with other moms and moms-to-be through local support groups or online communities. Sharing experiences and knowledge can be invaluable in building confidence and making informed decisions. Listen to birth podcasts to see a variety of birth scenarios and learn from others experiences.
Remember, you are the captain of your ship on this incredible journey. Your care providers are there to guide you, but ultimately, the decisions should be yours. Empower yourself with information, trust your instincts, and surround yourself with a supportive team. Together, we're making the path to motherhood more informed and empowering.
Stay tuned for our next edition of "Truth Bombs for Moms," where we'll explore tips for a healthy pregnancy and how to navigate postpartum challenges (especially breastfeeding) with confidence.
Until then, take care, and remember, you've got this!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.
