Episode 7: Jess: Battling Bias: Navigating Maternity Care and Healthcare in a Larger Body

07/19/23 • 39 min

This week I speak with Jess, a registered nurse, who I and so grateful to have met through a study in body-positivity in maternity care. In this episode we discuss the stark disparity in the treatment of larger-bodied women, particularly when it comes to birthing options. Jess shares her story, sparking a vigorous discussion on societal attitudes and the need for more empathy in the health industry and the urgent need to address weight stigma in all areas of healthcare but particularly maternity care. Women need support during their maternity care and postpartum but sadly the level of care can change dramatically depending on your BMI.
Listen to Jess's story and her advice on how to support yourself if navigating the maternity system in a larger body.
Please note that we discuss themes during this episode which may be tough for some listeners. Themes include infant loss, pregnancy and mental health. Please be kind to yourself as you listen.

Previous Episode

Episode 6: Callie Ann: Survivor and Warrior: Being The Change We Need To See In The ED World

Join us on an inspiring journey with Callie, who courageously battled eating disorders for over 16 years. Callie unveils her personal transformation from struggling with an eating disorder at a young age to survival amid an abusive relationship and, ultimately, finding her way to recovery. She bravely shares her experiences but also provides advice to those in similar situations.
Navigating through the healthcare system to access eating disorder support can be a daunting task. Callie gives us insider insights about the financial hurdles and the exhausting healthcare system. We shed light on how a lack of awareness within the healthcare model can severely impact the treatment of eating disorders, especially in remote areas or for those in larger bodies. There’s a desperate need for a preventative approach, and we delve into this crucial discussion.
Diet culture and its effects on children is a pervasive issue that needs urgent attention. Is your home environment contributing to your child's unhealthy relationship with food? Tune in as we discuss the need for resources that can help parents guide their children. Dr. Kyla, a pediatric dietician, joins us to enlighten us about healthier nourishment approaches. We also discuss how to support youth mental health effectively, stressing the importance of early intervention, having a safe person to confide in, and debunking common stereotypes about eating disorders. This episode is packed with personal narratives, expert opinions, and practical guidance to help you navigate these challenges. Tune in and learn from Callie's story.

Next Episode

Episode 8: Fiona Sutherland: Advocating for Dignified and Respectful Care in Health Practice

Join me in a heartfelt conversation with an amazing dietitian and yoga teacher, Fiona Sutherland. Fiona's dietetics journey, which began in a weight loss clinic, offered her invaluable insights into the crucial role of respectful and dignified care. As we walk through her professional path, Fiona helps us understand the profound impact of her early life experiences and how these experiences shaped her views on humility, our place in the world, and the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.
We also delve into the power of social media in our current times, as Fiona and I reflect on feelings of isolation experienced in the early 2000s, and the ability of small acts of advocacy to create change. We shed light on how constructive feedback, when delivered with kindness, can be transformational. Fiona shares pearls of wisdom, emphasising the importance of mentorship within the field of dietetics. Our engaging conversation helps unravel the ways effective supervision can aid in managing burnout, fostering resilience, and promoting weight-inclusive care among health practitioners.
As Fiona and I delve deeper into the subject of weight-inclusive care, we highlight the necessity of patience and understanding that learning about body and weight inclusivity is indeed a journey. Drawing from her vast experience, Fiona offers valuable resources for further learning and self-growth. Join us in this thought-provoking discussion and allow it to challenge your perspectives on health and well-being, reminding us all to be patient with ourselves and others along this journey.

Blossomy - Episode 7: Jess: Battling Bias: Navigating Maternity Care and Healthcare in a Larger Body

Transcript

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Welcome to the Blossomy Podcast , a place for vulnerable conversations surrounding body image , nutrition , mental health and the complex relationships we have with our bodies and food .

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We'll be diving deep into these themes and featuring special guests to offer expert insights , advice and listening to their own stories ,

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