Embracing Equality in the Delivery Room: Supporting All Sizes

Hey there! Let’s dive into a topic that’s near to my doula heart: making sure everyone gets treated fairly in the labor and delivery room.

In the mix of birthing stories, plus-size individuals sometimes face rough waters brought on by assumptions and biases. These obstacles—whether about health or whatnot—need to stop. Everyone’s birthing journey is unique, and my doula goal is to make sure they’re heard, respected, and fully seen while they bring their child into the world. Equity in the birthing room is all about personalizing the experience and showing some genuine support, tailored to what each individual needs. This isn’t just about offering comfy beds and peanut balls; it’s also about constructing a safe space where plus-size people can let their power shine without anyone judging them. How do we do that? I’m so glad you asked.

Here are a few thoughts:

As doulas, we’ve got to learn about different bodies and stories. This helps us understand what each person’s going through and gives us empathy to provide supportive, personalized support. Each body will tell us a different journey through pregnancy and delivery. If the mom is petite/short her struggles with getting in and out of the bed, reaching the sink or being swallowed in a long gown are all very real problems for her.

We’ve got to make sure that birthing places are cool for all shapes and sizes, telling hospitals and birth centers to make fair rules and spaces that match every one’s body. This includes having gowns, panties, and equipment to fit every shape. It also means teaching staff to trace babies in larger bodies OR other ways to keep baby safe instead of just saying we can’t and making the birthing person feel as if they’re body is to blame for the baby not being on the monitor.

Trust is like the secret recipe for the birthing journey. We’re here to make conversations easy, lend an ear with zero judgment, and make sure plus-size birthing folks can share their thoughts and fears.

We want our birthing spaces to be like a mural of different folks. Putting up pics that show bodies of all sizes having their birthing moments can be super empowering for plus-size individuals to see.

When birthing people, doulas, and allies team up, the change can be epic. Sharing stories, bonding over experiences, and advocating for fair treatment can make birthing spaces safe places to be.

Let’s make the delivery room a place where everyone gets a fair shake and equity is the gold standard. It’s is my mission to help level the playing field by amplifying their voices, soaking up knowledge, pushing for fair policies, building real connections, adding diverse visuals, and raising attention. We can make the birthing room a place where every plus size person walks out feeling empowered.

Chat soon,

TaKiesha