Mother Centered Care
Adding Compassion Back into Care
Concern over compassionate care for women during their pregnancy and births has been coming up often with my clients lately. It prompted me to interview several new moms about their prenatal care, childbirth experiences, childbirth education classes, experiences with birth centers and the overall level of support they feel they received. I truly wanted to know where they feel supported, where the gaps are, what things most challenge them, what things most get in their way and how I can continue to improve how I serve them.
One topic that came up with all 3 moms I talked to was feeling listened to and communicated with by their maternal care team while in the traditional medical setting. I heard stories of being told "No" to a birth plan request without explanation. I listened as one mom revealed her heartbreak over not getting to hold her healthy, full term son skin to skin right away because of protocols of "checking" the baby right away. I heard about the uncertain time between finding out you are expecting and your first prenatal appointment at 12 weeks. I listened to a mom talk about her breastfeeding struggles even with the support she received at the hospital. She was told she was "doing everything right" but was still struggling. A second time mom revealed how she felt less support all around with her second baby (at the hospital, with county programs and even family and friends). All 3 moms spoke about feeling like they had to do their own research into things like birth options, birth positions, pros and cons of their options and breastfeeding support.
Motherhood Healing
Now don't get me wrong, we are doing some things very right, but we honestly need to do better.
We need to support these moms, families and babies so that they truly FEEL supported and listened to. I believe giving moms and babies a healthy start can and will have lasting repercussions that greatly improve their lives.
I read an article by Janet Chawla right before I started my mom interviews. Janet is a childbirth educator, activist and researcher. She writes, researches and lectures on the traditional midwives (dais) and indigenous body knowledge. She has done research in India comparing the maternal care of the lower class women who receive care from dais and upper class women that receive medical care where medical doctors determine the meanings and process of having a baby. Her findings have been a driving force in her mission to place the mother, not the institution at the center of the birth process wherever birth takes place.
So, what do I strive to give each women and child that crosses my path?
A listening ear for their stories, their fears, their struggles, their wishes, their joys and their triumphs. Acknowledging all of these things is vital to true healing.
Tools that work for each individual for grounding, tuning into their bodies (and their true selves) and finding their own form of gratitude. This is all so personalized and I love helping them each find their own unique style.
Authentic healing through myofascial release, meeting each person where they are at. I am a physical therapist advanced trained by John F Barnes, PT in his unique form of this amazing bodywork.
Connection with a knowledgeable provider for needs that I am not able to meet. It truly takes a village.
My mission is to continue to provide prenatal, maternal health, postpartum and baby care for those that find my "door" (both in person and online). I believe we can make a difference for the women, babies and families out there by changing our lens around how we view maternal care.
I would love to connect with any of you this resonates with.
Did this resonate with you?
I need you to know your story matters and I want to hear it. Please feel free to reach out to me and connect anytime.